The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim, arrested eight suspects and recovered three firearms, alongside 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp, in separate intelligence-led operations conducted across the State between 20th and 23rd October 2026.
1. POLICE RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIM AT OWA-ALERO
On 20th October 2026, operatives of Owa-Oyibu Division, in collaboration with local volunteer groups, successfully rescued a 23-year-old man whom two suspected kidnappers abducted on 19th October 2026 at Owa-Alero. The victim was reportedly seized in front of his residence and dragged into a nearby bush. Following a report lodged by his brother, operatives commenced an intensive search of the surrounding bushes, leading to his rescue the following day. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing abductors.
2. RAID OF CRIMINAL HIDEOUT: ARREST OF SIX SUSPECTED CULTISTS, AND RECOVERY OF FIREARM, AND SUSPECTED ILLICIT DRUGS
On 23rd October 2026, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a hotel in Abraka suspected to be a hideout for drug-related activities. During the operation, six suspected cultists were arrested, while a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered. Some individuals fled upon sighting the operatives. Investigation is ongoing to establish the ownership and source of the recovered firearm, as well as identify other persons connected with the incident.
3. ARREST OF 62-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT, RECOVERY OF LOCALLY FABRICATED FIREARM, 24 LIVE CARTRIDGES AND SUSPECTED INDIAN HEMP
On 21st October 2026, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubuluku, acting on credible intelligence, raided the residence of one Richard Nmorsi, male, aged 62, at Ekuku-Agbor Community, Ika South LGA. A search of the premises, conducted pursuant to a duly obtained warrant, led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect was arrested, while the recovered exhibits were taken into custody for further investigation.
4. ARREST OF 56-YEAR-OLD SUSPECT, RECOVERY OF DOUBLE-BARREL FIREARM AND LIVE CARTRIDGE
On 23rd October 2026, operatives of SAKU Sector III, Ubuluku, acting on credible intelligence, raided the residence of one Amechi Osemeke, male, aged 56, at Ekuku-Agbor Community, Ika South LGA. During a search conducted with a duly obtained warrant, operatives recovered one serviceable double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge. The suspect was arrested, while an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the possession of the firearm.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, reiterated that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, recovering illegally possessed firearms and safeguarding communities across the State. The CP urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the Police, assuring that no effort would be spared in ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA
24th October, 2026
