Delta Police Foil Kidnapping, Nab Suspected Drug Dealers with Large Cache of Narcotics

By Diafa Doubra,

The Delta State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against crime and drug abuse across the state. Acting on swift intelligence and coordinated operations, officers successfully rescued a kidnapped victim and arrested two suspected drug barons in separate incidents.

According to a press release issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, achieved the feats through the relentless efforts of its operatives.

In the first operation, which took place on October 12, 2025, around 2:00 a.m., a woman was kidnapped by armed men who broke into her residence at Ovian Aladja. Upon receiving a distress call at about 2:00 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ovian Aladja Division, CSP Friday Ekundayo, quickly mobilized his team and launched a manhunt for the abductors. The officers tracked the suspects into a forest near Iyara community, where intense pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon the victim and flee. The woman was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with her family, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In a separate operation carried out by the Crack Squad of the Delta State Police Command, operatives acting on credible intelligence stormed a suspected drug hideout at Effurun GRA in the early hours of the same day. The raid led to the arrest of 33-year-old Igwe Samson and 39-year-old Abalum Sunday, both identified as major distributors of illicit drugs in the area. Upon searching their Toyota Sienna vehicle, police recovered a massive quantity of narcotic substances including 450 bottles of CSP Codeine, 188 bottles of Bargadine, 208 sachets of Tramadol 100mg, 300 sachets of Swinol, 100 sachets of Tramadol 500mg, 50 sachets of Rohypnol, and a large bag of weed suspected to be cannabis.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects had been in the illegal drug trade for about two years, allegedly sourcing their supplies from Onitsha, Anambra State. They reportedly preferred to move their consignments at night to evade detection. The police have since launched a manhunt for their suppliers and customers.

Commending the officers for their bravery and swift response, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Delta State. He also warned youths to steer clear of crime and drug abuse, emphasizing that substance abuse not only fuels criminal behavior but also poses severe health risks.

“Drug abuse destroys lives and communities. It is one of the leading causes of violent crimes and mental health issues among our youths,” the Commissioner stated. “We will continue to go after those involved in these criminal acts until Delta State is safe for everyone.”

The Police Command assured residents that all suspects in custody will face prosecution once investigations are concluded.