Delta Police Arrest Suspected Cultist, Rescue Kidnapped Child, Recover Firearms and Ransom Money

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on cultism, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state, with the rescue of a kidnapped three-year-old girl, arrest of a suspected cultist, and recovery of firearms and part of a ransom payment.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command disclosed that operatives of the Command Anti-Vice Squad (CAVS), Sector 2, Ughelli, successfully rescued the kidnapped child and arrested a suspect identified as Kelvin Ogaga.

According to the police, the child’s father had lodged a complaint on May 18, 2026, alleging that his three-year-old daughter was abducted by the suspect, a commercial motorcyclist entrusted with conveying the child to and from school daily.

Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly kidnapped the child and demanded a ransom of ₦500,000 from the family. Following negotiations, the family reportedly paid the ransom to secure the child’s release.

Acting on credible technical intelligence, police operatives stormed the suspect’s hideout in Ughelli, where he was apprehended. Recovered from him were ₦127,000 believed to be part of the ransom money, valuables allegedly purchased with proceeds from the crime, and the motorcycle used in carrying out the abduction.

The suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Department of Operations Buffalo Team recovered a Beretta pistol during a stop-and-search patrol along the Power Line axis near Bonsaac.

Police said officers on patrol noticed a suspicious man carrying a black bag. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect reportedly fled the scene, abandoning the bag in the process.

A search of the bag led to the recovery of one Beretta pistol and an iPhone. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding the firearm recovery.

Meanwhile, operatives attached to Ozoro Division also arrested a suspected cultist during a township patrol along Omovutotu Street in Ozoro.

The suspect, identified as Michael Monday, allegedly attempted to escape upon sighting the police patrol team. A search conducted on a black handbag in his possession led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size single-barrelled gun and one live cartridge.

Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that the suspect is allegedly a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, popularly known as “Aro Bagger.”

The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their swift response and professionalism in carrying out the operations.

He reiterated the Command’s commitment to combating crime and ensuring the safety of residents across the state, while also emphasizing the importance of stop-and-search operations as a proactive policing strategy that has contributed significantly to the recovery of illegal firearms.

The Police Commissioner further urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities within their communities to security agencies.