ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, rescuing abducted victims, arresting key members of a notorious criminal syndicate, and recovering firearms linked to a series of violent crimes across the state.
The operation followed a kidnapping incident that occurred on February 1, 2026, along the Warri–Sapele Road near Adeje Community, where a group of travellers was ambushed and forcibly taken into the bush by armed hoodlums.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, said the incident was formally reported on February 4, 2026, after two of the victims escaped and raised the alarm, prompting a swift and coordinated response involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes.
He explained that sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were subsequently rescued unharmed.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested one suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, on the same day while attempting to withdraw money using one of the victim’s ATM cards at a POS point in Adeje Community.
The case was thereafter transferred to the CP-Special Assignment Team for further investigation, leading to a series of arrests based on intelligence gathering and sustained interrogation.
On March 31, 2026, operatives apprehended additional suspects, including Samuel Omonigho, 31, in Kokori Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Henry Christmas, 22, in Adeje Community, Okpe Local Government Area.
Further breakthroughs were recorded on April 5, 2026, with the arrest of Ovo Wilson Junior, also known as “Sheboy,” aged 24, in Mereje Community, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel, 36, in Ughwagba Community, both in Okpe Local Government Area. Investigations revealed that Abel, a tricycle rider, played a logistical role by transporting gang members to and from their operational bases.
Continuing the operation, police operatives, acting on intelligence, raided a hideout at Oka Junction, Agbarho, on April 13, 2026, where a thorough search led to the recovery of one fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition and a locally made gun with seven live cartridges.
The Command disclosed that the syndicate has been linked to a series of kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and surrounding areas.
Commending the success of the operation, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the synergy between security agencies and the vigilance of community members, noting that their collaboration was instrumental in dismantling the criminal network.
The Command reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations and strengthening partnerships with communities to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of residents.
