Rita Enemuru, Reporting
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, conducted between 20 and 23 October 2026, followed intelligence reports and targeted suspected criminal hideouts and individuals allegedly in possession of firearms and illicit drugs.
In a press release issued on Saturday, 24 October, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operations were part of the command’s efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other criminal activities.
Kidnap victim rescued in Owa-Alero
The command said operatives of the Owa-Oyibu Division, working with local volunteer groups, rescued a 23-year-old man who was abducted on 19 October at Owa-Alero.
According to the police, the victim was seized in front of his residence by two suspected kidnappers and dragged into a nearby bush.
Following a report by the victim’s brother, police operatives launched an intensive search of the surrounding bushes and rescued him the following day.
The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Six suspected cultists arrested in Abraka
In a separate operation on 23 October, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) raided a hotel in Abraka allegedly suspected to be a hideout for drug-related activities.
The police said six suspected cultists were arrested during the operation, while a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered.
Some individuals reportedly fled upon sighting the operatives.
The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership and source of the recovered firearm and identify other persons connected with the incident.
62-year-old arrested with firearm, 24 cartridges
On 21 October, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubuluku, arrested a 62-year-old man, Richard Nmorsi, at Ekuku-Agbor Community in Ika South Local Government Area.
The police said the operatives acted on credible intelligence and searched the suspect’s residence under a duly obtained warrant.
The search reportedly led to the recovery of a locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.
The suspect was taken into custody, while the recovered items were retained for further investigation.
56-year-old arrested with double-barrel firearm
In another operation on 23 October, SAKU operatives raided the residence of a 56-year-old man, Amechi Osemeke, also at Ekuku-Agbor Community in Ika South LGA.
According to the police, the search, conducted under a duly obtained warrant, resulted in the recovery of a serviceable double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge.
The suspect was arrested, while investigations were continuing to determine the circumstances surrounding his possession of the firearm.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, reiterated the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks, recover illegally possessed firearms and protect communities across the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police, assuring them that the command would continue working to safeguard lives and property.
SP Edafe signed the statement on behalf of the command in Asaba on 24 October 2026.
