The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping operation, arrested two suspected criminals in separate intelligence-led operations, and recovered three locally made firearms, live ammunition and other dangerous items in its sustained crackdown on violent crime across the state.
Key Highlights:
- Delta Police foil planned kidnapping in Ughelli.
- Two suspects arrested in separate intelligence-led operations.
- Three locally made firearms and 13 live cartridges recovered.
- Police uncover suspected criminal hideout in Effurun.
- Commissioner of Police reaffirms commitment to tackling kidnapping and violent crime.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Ebrumede Division arrested 28-year-old Benjamin Haruna during an intensive stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, on August 4, 2026.
The police said two other suspects, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle during the operation.
A search of a bag belonging to the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrel guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, one lighter and a camouflage military polo.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were transporting the weapons and other recovered items to their hideout along the Sapele Road axis.
Read Also:
- Delta Police Boss Vows To Combat Kidnapping, Cultism, Drug Abuse, Violent Crimes
- Delta Police Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers, Robbers
- Delta Police Arrest 32 Suspected Cultists, Recover Firearms, Drugs
The arrested suspect remains in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police Foil Planned Kidnapping in Ughelli
In a separate operation, operatives of ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence on July 31, 2026, foiled a planned kidnapping after receiving information that 26-year-old Jeremiah Kwane allegedly attempted to recruit an individual into a kidnapping syndicate.
According to the police, the gang was planning to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, officers arrested the suspect at his duty post and recovered one locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges during a search.
Police Assure Residents of Sustained Crackdown
The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying operations against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across Delta State.
He assured residents that the command would continue to pursue criminal elements and dismantle criminal networks, urging members of the public to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid crime prevention and enhance public safety.
