The Delta State Police Command has arrested eight suspected kidnappers and recovered N4 million in ransom money as part of intensified efforts to curb kidnapping across the state.
During a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Asaba, Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, said the arrests were made through proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and targeted raids on criminal hideouts.
He said, “Proactive policing, intelligence gathering and raid of criminal hideouts are part of the proactive policing approach of the Command.
“I welcome you all to this press briefing where I will be showcasing some of the command’s achievements in the past one week.”
One of the breakthroughs occurred on May 12, 2025, when operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team, during a stop-and-search operation along the Kwale/Ozoro express road, intercepted a gold-coloured Toyota Sienna bus conveying passengers from Ughelli to Asaba. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of N3.1 million in cash with four individuals—Abubakar Alwalu (25), Usman Husseini (25), Adamu Mohammed (30), and Anwalu Umaru (23).
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects belong to a gang of five and were allegedly responsible for the kidnapping of a lady at Ughelli in her house, held her captive for four days, and collected a ransom of 4 million. The victim has identified the four suspects. Investigation is ongoing,” Olufemi added.
In a separate operation on May 10, 2025, CP-Special Assignment Team operatives arrested a gang leader, Abdullahi Ibrahim (22), from Ekenwa Community in Ovia North-East LGA, Edo State, at Ore town in Ondo State. He later led the police to another gang member, Adamu Usman (24), who was also arrested in Ore.
“Upon interrogation, suspects led operatives to a forest along Ore-Lagos expressway by a popular area called ‘Stepdown’ where one AK-47 rifle loaded with 14 rounds of live ammunition and a locally made long gun with 6 rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Suspects are in custody and the investigation is ongoing.”
On the same May 12, 2025, the Command also apprehended another kidnap suspect and recovered additional weapons and ransom funds. This followed a kidnap incident in Itego community, Ibusa, where a man was abducted and ransom paid.
“The Commander Special Anti-kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad swiftly mobilize operatives and stormed Koka junction Asaba where one of the suspects later identified as Lawal Tasiu 26, resident of FCT Abuja was arrested after a hot chase.
“Upon search of the suspect, the sum of N900,000 was recovered from him. During Interrogation, the suspect stated that he is a member of a syndicate terrorizing Ibusa/Ogwashi-Uku/Issele-Azagbe environs, and the money in his possession is part of his share of the ransom collected.
“On May 13, 2025, the suspect led operatives to their hideout at Issele-Azagba area where one AK-47 rifle, one pump action gun, two AK-47 magazines, 87 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered.”
In another development, CP Olufemi revealed that the police arrested a woman for child trafficking after she allegedly drugged a mother and stole her two-month-old baby in Warri.
He said, “DPO Ekpan Police station embarked on an intelligence-led investigation, trailed and arrested the suspect Mrs Joy Temitope Oyetimi 49, and after discreet interrogation, the suspects stated that indeed she was the one who stole the baby, noting that the baby who is now five months old has been rescued and handed over to his parent.”
The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to tackling criminal elements in the state and ensuring public safety.
