Police Bust Kidnap Syndicate in Delta, Rescue Victims, Arrest Five Suspects

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, rescuing abducted victims, arresting five suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, and recovering firearms and ammunition.

The development followed investigations into a kidnapping incident that occurred on February 1, 2026, along the Warri–Sapele Road near Adeje Community, where a group of travellers was ambushed and taken into the bush by armed hoodlums.

According to a press statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the incident was formally reported on February 4 after two of the victims escaped and raised the alarm. Their report triggered a coordinated rescue operation involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilante groups. Sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were later rescued unhurt.

Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Orerokpe Division swiftly arrested a key suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, on the same day the case was reported. He was apprehended while attempting to withdraw money using one of the victim’s ATM cards at a POS point in Adeje Community. The case was subsequently transferred to the CP Special Assignment Team for further investigation.

Police investigations led to a series of follow-up arrests. On March 31, operatives apprehended Samuel Omonigho, 31, in Kokori Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Henry Christmas, 22, in Adeje Community, Okpe Local Government Area.

Further breakthroughs were recorded on April 5, with the arrest of Ovo Wilson Junior, also known as “Sheboy,” aged 24, in Mereje Community, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel, 36, in Ughwagba Community, both in Okpe Local Government Area. Investigations revealed that Abel, a tricycle rider, played a logistical role by transporting gang members to and from their operational bases.

In a follow-up operation on April 13, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team raided a hideout at Oka Junction, Agbarho, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition and a locally made gun with seven live cartridges were recovered.

Police authorities disclosed that the syndicate has been linked to multiple kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and surrounding communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the collaboration between security agencies and the vigilance of local residents, noting that their support was instrumental to the success of the operations.

He assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all suspects will be prosecuted in accordance with the law, while reaffirming the Command’s commitment to tackling violent crime across the state.