Delta Police Foil Kidnapping Plot, Recover 178 Live Cartridges in Major Crackdown on Criminal Gangs

By Diafa Doubra,

In a series of coordinated operations across Delta State, the police have recorded major breakthroughs in their ongoing fight against kidnapping, illegal arms trade, and violent crime. The latest success stories, achieved through intelligence-led policing, were recorded in Bomadi, Asaba, and Ubeji communities.

According to a statement issued by the Delta State Police Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Command arrested suspected kidnappers, rescued victims, and recovered 178 live cartridges in separate operations carried out on Thursday, October 30, 2025.

At about 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, operatives of the Bomadi Police Division, led by Divisional Police Officer CSP Adie Peter Bissong, in collaboration with the Bomadi Vigilante team, intercepted a motorcycle along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road.

During a routine stop-and-search, the officers became suspicious of the rider and his passenger a 62-year-old woman later identified as Charter Timide who appeared uneasy. A search of a sack in their possession led to the shocking discovery of 178 live cartridges neatly packed and concealed for delivery.

During interrogation, the elderly woman confessed to purchasing the cartridges from Onitsha Main Market, a major trading hub in Anambra State. The police say investigations are underway to determine the intended recipients of the ammunition and whether it was meant for criminal groups operating within Delta or neighboring states.

Both the suspect and the seized ammunition have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba for further investigation.

In another successful operation, police officers attached to the Ekpan Division, led by DPO CSP Labe Joseph, responded to a distress call about a kidnapping incident behind the Ubeji Gas Plant in Ubeji Community at about 11:40 a.m. on the same day.

Upon arrival, the police operatives engaged the suspects, who fled into an abandoned poultry house in an attempt to evade arrest. The officers cordoned off the area and successfully apprehended seven suspects, all from Ubeji Community. They were identified as Felix Omone, age 33, Solomon Omone, age 29, Tony Eboye, age 34, Omone David, age 32, Jerry Omone, age 33, Godspower Omone, age 25, and Edewho Bomele, age 33.

The operation also led to the safe rescue of three kidnapped victims from Jeddo Community, who were later reunited with their families. Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been abducted from a dredging site in Ubeji, taken across a river, and held hostage while their captors demanded ransom under threat of death.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, praised the swift response and professionalism of the officers involved. He reiterated the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.

Olufemi urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid shielding criminals, and promptly report suspicious activities to the police. He also emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining peace and order.

The Command provided emergency contact lines for residents 08036684974 for the Control Room and other designated helplines for rapid response.

With these coordinated efforts, the Delta State Police Command continues to demonstrate that it remains steadfast in its resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and restore public confidence in law enforcement.