Rita Enemuru, Reporting
THE Delta State Police Command has recorded significant breakthroughs in its fight against violent crime with the rescue of four kidnapped persons and the arrest of a suspected cultist during separate operations in the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, 5 February 2026, the Command said the operations reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring public safety across Delta State.
The first incident occurred on 2 February 2026 at about 9:30 pm when five armed men, suspected to be kidnappers, blocked the Ewu–Ajekuta Road and forcibly abducted four occupants of a Toyota Sienna vehicle.
Upon receiving a distress alert, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Otu-Jeremi promptly mobilised operatives who, working in synergy with sister security agencies and vigilant members of the Ewu community, launched a pursuit of the suspects.
The coordinated operation led to the successful rescue of all four victims, who were later taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. Two expended 7.5mm ammunition were recovered at the scene, while intensive bush-combing and manhunt operations are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation on 3 February 2026 at about 8:00 pm, operatives attached to the Ibusa Division, acting on credible intelligence, raided a suspected cult gathering at Anioma Garden, Ugboli Quarters, Ibusa.
During the raid, one suspect, identified as Michael Ayauze, was arrested.
Preliminary investigations revealed that he is a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of one English Beretta pistol, one live round of ammunition and assorted charms.
Other members of the group reportedly fled the scene on sighting the police, but the Command said efforts have been intensified to track down and apprehend them.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, restated the Command’s resolve to deal decisively with kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.
He urged residents of the state to remain calm, vigilant and continue to support the police with timely and credible information through established channels.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe.
