ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded major operational breakthroughs in two separate incidents, successfully rescuing kidnapped victims and arresting a suspected cultist, in what authorities described as a renewed push to rid the state of violent crime.
The development was confirmed in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on behalf of the Delta State Police Command, detailing swift tactical responses that led to the successes.
In the first incident, five armed men suspected to be kidnappers on February 2, 2026, at about 9:30 p.m., blocked the Ewu–Ajekuta Road and forcefully abducted four occupants of a Toyota Sienna vehicle. Upon receiving a distress report, the Divisional Police Officer of Otu-Jeremi immediately mobilised operatives, who, in collaboration with sister security agencies and vigilant members of the Ewu community, pursued the suspects.
The coordinated operation resulted in the successful rescue of all four kidnapped victims, who were subsequently taken to a hospital for medical attention. Two expended 7.5mm ammunition were recovered from the scene, while intensive bush-combing and manhunt operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation on February 3, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., operatives of the Ibusa Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected cult gathering at Anioma Garden, Ugboli Quarters, Ibusa. During the raid, one suspect, Michael Ayauze, was arrested.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity. A search conducted on him led to the recovery of one English Beretta pistol, one live round of ammunition, and assorted charms. Other suspects reportedly fled the scene on sighting the police, and efforts are ongoing to track and arrest them.
Reacting to the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, reaffirmed his resolve to deal decisively with kidnapping, cultism, and all forms of violent crime across the state.
He urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, while calling on members of the public to continue supporting the police with credible information through established channels, assuring that the command remains fully committed to protecting lives and property in Delta State.
