ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on cultism and violent crimes, recording major operational successes including the rescue of a kidnapped three-year-old girl, the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and cultist, as well as the recovery of firearms in separate operations across the state.
The Command also recovered part of the ransom allegedly paid for the release of the abducted child, while operatives intercepted illegal weapons during stop-and-search operations aimed at strengthening security across Delta State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the developments in a statement issued in Asaba on Thursday.
According to the statement, operatives of the Command Anti-Vice Squad (CAVS), Sector 2, Ughelli, rescued the three-year-old girl and arrested one Kelvin Ogaga over the alleged abduction.
Police said the suspect, a commercial motorcyclist entrusted with taking the child to school daily, allegedly kidnapped the girl and demanded a ransom of N500,000 from her family.
The victim’s father had lodged a complaint with the police on May 18, 2026, after the child was allegedly abducted.
Investigations revealed that after negotiations, the family paid the ransom to secure the child’s release.
Acting on credible technical intelligence, police operatives tracked the suspect to his hideout in Ughelli where he was arrested.
Recovered from him were N127,000 believed to be part of the ransom money, valuables allegedly purchased with proceeds from the crime and the motorcycle reportedly used in carrying out the abduction.
The suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue.
In another operation, operatives of the Department of Operations Buffalo Team recovered a Beretta pistol during a routine patrol along the Power Line axis near Bonsaac.
Police said officers sighted a suspicious man carrying a black bag, who fled immediately after noticing the patrol team.
Although the suspect escaped, he abandoned the bag during the chase.
A search of the bag led to the recovery of one Beretta pistol and an iPhone.
The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding the recovery.
In a separate operation, operatives attached to Ozoro Division arrested a suspected cultist and recovered a locally-made firearm.
The suspect, identified as Michael Monday, was intercepted along Omovutotu Street in Ozoro during a township patrol after he allegedly attempted to flee upon sighting police officers.
A search conducted on a black handbag in his possession led to the recovery of a cut-to-size single-barrel gun and one cartridge.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect allegedly belongs to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, popularly known as “Aro Bagger.”
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
Commending the operatives for the successful operations, Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Mr. Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
He also emphasised the importance of stop-and-search operations as a proactive policing strategy, noting that the approach contributed significantly to the recovery of the firearms.
The police commissioner urged residents to promptly report suspicious persons and movements within their communities to aid ongoing security efforts across the state.
