The Delta State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate, rescued abducted victims, and arrested five suspects in a series of coordinated operations across the state.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the breakthrough followed investigations into a kidnapping incident that occurred on February 1, 2026, along the Warri–Sapele Road in Adeje Community.
The incident, reported on February 4, involved a group of travellers who were ambushed by armed men and taken into the bush.
Two victims reportedly escaped and raised the alarm, prompting a joint operation involving the police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes. The sustained pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were later rescued unharmed.
Police operatives swiftly arrested a suspect, identified as Dafiaga Timothy, on the same day while attempting to withdraw money from a victim’s account using an ATM card at a POS point in Adeje. The case was subsequently transferred to the CP-Special Assignment Team for further investigation.
Further operations led to the arrest of additional suspects, including Samuel Omonigho, 31, and Henry Christmas, 22, in separate locations within Ethiope East and Okpe Local Government Areas. Two more suspects—Ovo Wilson Junior, also known as “Sheboy,” 24, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel, 36—were later apprehended.
Investigations revealed that Abel, a tricycle rider, allegedly transported members of the gang to and from their operational bases.
In a follow-up raid on April 13 at a hideout in Oka Junction, Agbarho, operatives recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition, as well as a locally made gun with seven live cartridges.
The police linked the syndicate to multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and surrounding areas.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the collaboration among security agencies and the support of local communities, noting that their vigilance played a key role in the success of the operations.