The Delta State Police Command has revealed that it has apprehended suspected kidnappers operating in Delta, Rivers, Enugu, and Imo states and also recovered an AK-46 rifle in the process.
SP Bright Edafe, the official spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command made this disclosure in a statement released in Asaba on Tuesday.
He said, “On May 16, 2025, operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team successfully dismantled a notorious interstate kidnap syndicate that has been operating in Delta, Rivers, Enugu, and Imo State.
“The operatives followed a trail to Port Harcourt, where they arrested a syndicate member named Idirisu Yakubu, a 21-year-old male suspect from Kwara State, but a resident of Elelenwo area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Upon interrogation, on May 17, he led operatives to the arrest of their gang leader and coordinator viz: Bello Amodu 40 years of Tangaza LGA, Sokoto state but a resident of Elelenwo area Port Harcourt, Rivers state who is coordinating the various syndicates within the South – South and South-East region.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed Beto 38 years of Tsamiya village, Bagudu LGA, Kebbi State, a resident of the Oil Mill Area, Port Harcourt area of Rivers State, who is said to be the one heading Enugu axis.
“Upon further interrogation, they led operatives to a bush along Ughelli – Ozoro Road where one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 23 rounds of live ammunition and a pump action with seven rounds of live cartridges were recovered.
SP Edafe noted that the operation was based on intelligence gathering acted upon by operatives of the Eagle Net Surveillance Team based at Ughelli and led to the arrest of a kidnapper and recovery of ammunition.
Also in another operation, operatives of the Eagle Net Surveillance Team based at Ughelli also trailed a kidnapping/armed robbery syndicate to an apartment situated at Warri South LG, and apprehended a 53-yeal-old Benjamin Benemor.
“Upon search of his residence, the following exhibits were recovered: One English Beretta Pistol with magazine, One English double Barrel pump action gun, one English single barrel gun, one locally made single barrel gun, one locally made short double barrel gun, one battle axe, 15 live cartridges were recovered.
“Also, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, while on stop and search along the Asaba-Benin Expressway, flagged down a Jetta vehicle with reg no: ASB18BH with two male occupants named: Blessing Ngbajime 49, and Okpako Oghenhovo 27.
“Upon search of the vehicle and the occupants, one fabricated beretta pistol was recovered from Okpako Oghenhovo. Investigation is in progress, and the apprehended suspects are undergoing profiling and interrogation,” Edafe said.
He made it known that the Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi commended the team for displaying a strong sense of professionalism and exemplary courage. He also re-emphasized the command’s commitment to the security of lives and property across the state.
