The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim, arrested eight suspects and recovered three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp in separate operations across the state.
The operations were conducted between October 20 and 23, 2026, in Owa-Alero, Abraka and Ekuku-Agbor, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe.
Kidnap Victim Rescued In Owa-Alero
Police operatives attached to the Owa-Oyibu Division, working with local volunteer groups, rescued a 23-year-old man who was abducted on October 19 in Owa-Alero.
The victim was reportedly seized in front of his residence by two suspected kidnappers and dragged into a nearby bush.
Following a report by the victim’s brother, officers launched a search of the surrounding bushes, leading to his rescue on October 20.
The command said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing abductors.
Six Suspected Cultists Arrested In Abraka
In a separate operation on October 23, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit raided a hotel in Abraka following intelligence suggesting that the premises was being used for drug-related activities.
Read also: Umahi Says Coastal Highway May Stall If Tinubu Loses In 2027
The operation led to the arrest of six suspected cultists and the recovery of a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Police said some individuals fled when officers arrived at the premises.
Investigations are ongoing to establish the ownership and source of the recovered firearm and identify others allegedly connected to the incident.
Two Men Arrested In Ekuku-Agbor
In another operation, officers of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit, Sector III, Ubuluku, arrested a 62-year-old man, Richard Nmorsi, at his residence in Ekuku-Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, on October 21.
The police said a search conducted under a warrant led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
On October 23, the same unit arrested a 56-year-old man, Amechi Osemeke, in the community.
A search of his residence, also conducted under a warrant, reportedly led to the recovery of a serviceable double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge.
Both men were taken into custody, while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding their possession of the firearms.
Police Promise Sustained Crackdown
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Samuel Erale, said the command would sustain intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally possessed firearms and improve security across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police to support crime prevention and ongoing investigations.
