By Onomiguren Agbamu
The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim, arrested eight suspects and recovered three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp during separate operations across the state.
The operations were conducted between October 20 and 23, 2026, targeting suspected kidnappers, cultists and other criminal activities.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, October 24, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said operatives of the Owa-Oyibu Division, in collaboration with local volunteer groups, rescued the victim at Owa-Alero on October 20.
The victim was reportedly abducted in front of his residence on October 19 by two suspected kidnappers, who allegedly dragged him into a nearby bush.
According to the statement, a search operation was launched following a report by the victim’s brother, leading to his rescue the following day. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing abductors.
In a separate operation on October 23, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit raided a hotel in Abraka suspected to be a hideout for drug-related activities, arresting six suspected cultists.
The operatives also recovered a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp, while some individuals reportedly fled upon sighting the Police.
The Command said investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership and source of the recovered firearm and identify other persons connected with the incident.
In another operation on October 21, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Sector III, Ubuluku, arrested a 62-year-old man, Richard Nmorsi, at Ekuku-Agbor Community in Ika South Local Government Area.
A search of his residence, conducted with a duly obtained warrant, reportedly led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
Similarly, on October 23, operatives of the unit arrested a 56-year-old man, Amechi Osemeke, at Ekuku-Agbor following a search of his residence.
The Police said a serviceable double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge were recovered during the operation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding his possession of the firearm.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reiterated the Command’s commitment to sustained intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally possessed firearms and safeguard communities across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the Police to support efforts to combat crime.
The statement was signed by SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, Asaba, on October 24, 2026.
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