The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim, arrested eight suspected criminals and recovered three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp in a series of intelligence-led operations across the state.
The operations, conducted between October 20 and 23, 2026, targeted suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal elements in different communities.
The command disclosed the development in a statement issued by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who said the operations formed part of sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen security across Delta State.
Kidnap Victim Rescued in Owa-Alero
In one of the operations, police operatives attached to the Owa-Oyibu Division, working in collaboration with local volunteer groups, rescued a 23-year-old man who was allegedly abducted in Owa-Alero on October 19.
The victim was reportedly seized in front of his residence by two suspected kidnappers and dragged into a nearby bush.
Following a report by the victim’s brother, operatives launched an intensive search of the surrounding bushes, leading to the victim’s successful rescue on October 20.
The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Six Suspected Cultists Arrested in Abraka Raid
In a separate operation on October 23, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a hotel in Abraka suspected of serving as a hideout for drug-related activities.
The operation resulted in the arrest of six suspected cultists, while a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered.
Some individuals reportedly fled upon sighting the operatives.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership and source of the recovered firearm and identify other individuals connected with the incident.
62-Year-Old Man Arrested, Firearm and 24 Cartridges Recovered
Meanwhile, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubuluku, arrested a 62-year-old man, identified as Richard Nmorsi, during a raid on his residence in Ekuku-Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, on October 21.
According to the police, the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence and a duly obtained search warrant.
The search reportedly led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspect was taken into custody, while the recovered items were secured as exhibits for further investigation.
Police Recover Double-Barrel Gun From 56-Year-Old Suspect
In another operation in the same community, police operatives arrested a 56-year-old man, Amechi Osemeke, following a raid on his residence on October 23.
The search, conducted pursuant to a duly obtained warrant, led to the recovery of a serviceable double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge.
The suspect was arrested, while investigations commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding his possession of the firearm.
CP Vows Sustained Crackdown on Criminal Networks
Reacting to the successes recorded in the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain intelligence-driven operations against criminal activities.
Erale said the police would continue to pursue suspected criminals, recover illegally possessed firearms and disrupt networks threatening the safety and security of residents across the state.
He also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending criminal elements.
The police commissioner assured residents that the command would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to protect lives and property.
The latest operations underscore the command’s ongoing security efforts, with investigations continuing into the cases and further action expected against suspects found culpable.
