Delta Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Eight Suspects, Recover Firearms, 26 Cartridges

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim, arrested eight suspected criminals and recovered three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The operations, conducted between October 20 and 23, 2026, targeted suspected kidnappers, cultists and other criminal elements in different communities, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

Kidnap Victim Rescued in Owa-Alero

In one of the operations, operatives of the Owa-Oyibu Police Division, working with local volunteer groups, rescued a 23-year-old man who was abducted in Owa-Alero on October 19.

The victim was reportedly seized in front of his residence by two suspected kidnappers and dragged into a nearby bush.

Following a report by the victim’s brother, police operatives launched an intensive search of the surrounding bushes, leading to the victim’s rescue on October 20.

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing abductors.

Six Suspected Cultists Arrested in Abraka

In a separate operation on October 23, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a hotel in Abraka suspected of being used for drug-related activities.

The operation led to the arrest of six suspected cultists and the recovery of a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

Some individuals reportedly fled upon sighting the operatives, while investigations are ongoing to establish the ownership and source of the recovered firearm and identify others connected to the incident.

Two Suspects Arrested in Ekuku-Agbor

Meanwhile, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubuluku, arrested two men during separate operations at Ekuku-Agbor in Ika South Local Government Area.

On October 21, the operatives raided the residence of a 62-year-old suspect, Richard Nmorsi, following credible intelligence. A search conducted under a duly obtained warrant led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

In another operation on October 23, the operatives arrested a 56-year-old man, Amechi Osemeke, at his residence in the same community.

Police said a search conducted under a duly obtained warrant resulted in the recovery of a serviceable double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge.

Both suspects are in police custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the recovered items.

Police Vow to Sustain Crackdown on Criminals

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally possessed firearms and protect communities across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to assist the Police in preventing crime and apprehending fleeing suspects.

The Command assured residents that it would continue working with relevant stakeholders to strengthen security and safeguard lives and property throughout Delta State.