Delta Police Command arrests suspected kidnapper, recovers stolen vehicles, ammunition

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper while it made a recovery of two suspected stolen vehicles, and one Beretta pistol, two master keys, and 14 different Toyota vehicles keys.

According to a statement released on Sunday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command “Acting on credible intelligence gathered on the activities of a suspected kidnapper one Philip Onoghosa, the gang leader of a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Sapele – Warri Road, on 25/10/2024, at about 1730hrs, operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team (CP – SAT) went on the trail of the said suspect in Sapele town.

“The suspect who was at Amukpe Roundabout buying illicit drugs sighted the operatives and a lady took to his heel abandoning one Black Toyota Corolla with REG NO: SKL 330 AE.

“Upon search of the vehicle, one Beretta pistol loaded with two(2) live ammunition was recovered beneath the driver’s seat. Manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing.

“Also, on October 22, 2024, at about 1700hrs, the Safer Highway Patrol Team deployed to Sapele, while conducting an intensive stop-and-search along the Mosogar Benin Road, flagged down a Toyota RAV4 SUV, black with Reg. No. KUJ-311-MB.

“The driver, before getting to the checkpoint, manoeuvred the vehicle and sped off while the police operatives immediately went after him. The suspect, on noticing that the policemen were closing in on him, abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.

“The vehicle was recovered and upon search of the vehicle, the vehicle particulars bearing the name and contact of the owner were found. The owner who was immediately contacted stated that the vehicle was stolen from his compound in Kogi State. Two metal master keys and 14 different Toyota vehicle keys were recovered,” the statement noted, adding that investigations have been launched into the matter.