The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, with the rescue of abducted victims, arrest of five suspected kidnappers, and recovery of firearms and ammunition.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation followed a kidnapping incident that occurred on February 1, 2026, along the Warri–Sapele Road near Adeje Community. The attack involved armed assailants who ambushed a group of travellers and forcefully took them into the bush.
The incident was officially reported on February 4 after two of the victims escaped and raised the alarm. Their report triggered a coordinated response involving the Police, Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes. Sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were later rescued unharmed.
Police operatives swiftly arrested the first suspect, identified as Dafiaga Timothy, on the same day while attempting to withdraw money from a victim’s ATM card at a POS point in Adeje Community. The case was subsequently transferred to the CP-Special Assignment Team for further investigation.
Following intelligence-led operations, additional arrests were made on March 31, including Samuel Omonigho, 31, in Kokori Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Henry Christmas, 22, in Adeje Community, Okpe Local Government Area.
Further operations on April 5 led to the arrest of two more suspects—Ovo Wilson Junior, also known as “Sheboy,” aged 24, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel, 36. Investigations revealed that Abel, a tricycle rider, played a logistical role by transporting gang members to and from their operational bases.
In a follow-up operation on April 13, police operatives raided a hideout at Oka Junction in Agbarho, where they recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition, along with a locally made gun containing seven live cartridges.
Authorities say the syndicate is linked to a series of kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and surrounding areas.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the collaboration between security agencies and local communities, noting that such synergy remains crucial in tackling crime across the state.
