Delta Police Command arrests suspected kidnapper, rescues three kidnapped victims, recovers ammunition

Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper/armed robber/cultist, rescued kidnapped victims and made a recovery of arms, ammunition and other sharp objects.

According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda Olufemi lauded officers of the Command for their continued vigilance and efforts to curb kidnapping and other crimes in the State.

It read, “On 25/3/2024 at about 2030hrs, while a concerned citizen (name withheld) was going about his hunting in the thick forest in Egbudu-Akah community Aniocha South LGA, he sighted a group of people suspected to be kidnappers, and their helpless kidnapped victims. He quickly ran out from the bush and reported what he had seen to the police. Upon receiving this information, the DPO in a meticulously coordinated operation, mobilized his patrol team and men of the vigilante, as they charged swiftly into the forest on a rescue mission.

“While the operatives were about to draw close to the den of these kidnappers, they were sighted by the suspected kidnappers which necessitated the criminals to take to their heels as they exchanged fire with the team of officers in a bid to escape. In the process of the exchange of fire, one of the suspected kidnappers was arrested and all three kidnapped female victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical attention.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that all the victims were kidnapped on their way to the hospital. It was also revealed that the said suspected kidnappers earlier demanded fifteen million naira (#15 Million) ransom for their release.

“Upon search of the scene, the following exhibits were recovered: 3 Cutlasses, 2 TECNO phones, A Solar Panel, a Power Bank, Charms, 2 Torch Lights, and some other food items. Meanwhile, the suspect and exhibit have been transferred to SCIID for further investigations.”

“In another incident, on 25/03/2024 at about 1300hrs, Police officers attached to the Anti-Crime Patrol Team, Agbor Division while conducting stop and search duty, along the road in Ekuku-Agbor Community, they sighted a young man carrying an ox-blood bag; and when the bag was searched, a locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun and a cartridge were recovered. The suspect, one Happy Boi Akaibe, 25yrs was arrested. Investigations have commenced; meanwhile, the suspect and exhibits have been transferred to SCID for discreet investigations and appropriate prosecutions.

“CP Abaniwonda Olufemi reiterates the command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and other vices. While noting the grave threat illegal firearms pose to public safety, he added that the tireless work of the officers of the command is instrumental in ensuring the safety and security of our communities. He further encourages the public to commiserate the diligence and efforts of the police in fighting crime by reporting any suspicious incident to the nearest police station, or through the control room number: 08036684974.