Delta Police neutralize kidnappers, arrest cultists in series of operations

The Delta State Police Command has disclosed it recently neutralized a gang of notorious kidnappers, arrested suspected criminals, and recovered firearms in multiple operations across the state.

Kidnappers killed in gun battle

In a statement on Monday signed by Police PRO, SP. Edafe Bright, operatives of the CP Special Assignment team, acting on intelligence, engaged a group of kidnappers in a fierce gun duel at a hideout along the railway line in Agbarho. The operation followed the arrest of a suspect who attempted to purchase AK-47 ammunition on March 9, 2025.

During interrogation, the suspect disclosed the location of a hidden rifle. Upon arrival at the scene, the police team was met with gunfire from the gang. In the exchange, four suspected kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries. One AK-47 rifle with a magazine was recovered. The injured suspects were taken to Ughelli General Hospital, where they were later confirmed dead. Their bodies have been deposited at the morgue, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing members of the gang.

Arrest of a kidnap suspect

On March 12, 2025, at about 11:00 a.m., an indigene of Ibusa reported to the police that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7, and he was tasked with delivering the ransom and food items to the captors. Acting on the information, operatives from Ibusa Police Station, in collaboration with vigilantes, stormed a bush where they arrested one Abdulahi Isah. The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.

Cultists arrested, beretta pistol recovered

In a separate operation on March 13, 2025, at about 6:30 a.m., the CP Special Assignment team apprehended a suspected cultist, Gideon Sunday (34), and his gang member, Godstime Solomon (27), in the Agbogidi area of Warri South LGA. The suspects, who were riding in a tricycle, were found in possession of a locally made cut-to-size gun loaded with two live cartridges concealed in the engine compartment.

Further investigations led to the arrest of another suspect, Junior Moses (30), who was found with a locally made gun and two live cartridges.

Acting on their confessions, operatives moved to Sapele, where they apprehended Great Odiete (28) and recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol. The suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the proactive efforts of the command and the cooperation of residents in tackling crime. He assured the public that efforts to rid the state of criminal elements remain a top priority.