The Delta State Police Command has intensified its offensive against violent crime with the foiling of a planned kidnapping, the arrest of two suspects, and the recovery of three locally made firearms, 13 live cartridges, an expended cartridge and other incriminating exhibits in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
The operations, conducted by officers attached to the Ebrumede Division and ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, underscore the Command’s sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks and strengthen public safety.
In the first operation, operatives of the Ebrumede Division on August 4 intercepted three suspected armed robbers during an intensive stop-and-search exercise along Garki-Uti Road in Effurun.
Police said one of the suspects, 28-year-old Benjamin Haruna, was arrested, while two others identified as Omelo and Alabanco escaped on a motorcycle.
A search of the suspects’ bag reportedly led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrel guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a camouflage military polo.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were transporting the weapons and other items to their hideout along the Sapele Road axis before they were intercepted by the police.
The arrested suspect remains in custody, while security operatives have launched a coordinated manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In a separate intelligence-driven operation, officers attached to ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, on July 31 foiled a planned kidnapping after acting on credible intelligence.
Police arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah Kwane, who was allegedly attempting to recruit an individual into a kidnapping syndicate with plans to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.
The suspect was apprehended at his place of work, where officers recovered a locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges during a search.
He is currently undergoing further investigation as detectives work to uncover other members of the suspected criminal network.
Reacting to the successful operations, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent criminals across the state.
He urged residents to continue partnering with the police by providing timely and credible information that would aid proactive policing and enhance the security of lives and property.
The latest breakthroughs add to a series of recent operations by the Delta State Police Command aimed at disrupting criminal activities and reassuring residents of the Command’s resolve to maintain law and order throughout the state.
