Delta Police Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers, Recover Firearm

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested four suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in separate intelligence-led operations across the state, recovering a locally made pistol and other exhibits.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the arrests in a statement on Thursday, highlighting the command’s ongoing efforts to combat violent crime and enhance public safety.

According to the statement, officers of the Ugborikoko Division on June 23, 2026, acted on a report involving two suspects linked to an attempted robbery.

Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects allegedly gained unlawful access to a residential compound but fled after discovering that occupants were present.

Edafe said the vigilance and swift response of residents led to the arrest of the suspect and an accomplice, who were subsequently handed over to the police.

“Acting on intelligence obtained during preliminary investigation, operatives of the Ugborikoko Division searched the suspects’ residence, resulting in the recovery of a locally made pistol concealed inside a wardrobe,” the statement said.

The suspects remain in police custody while investigations continue to ascertain their involvement in other criminal activities within and outside the area.

In a separate operation, operatives attached to the ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, working in collaboration with local vigilantes, arrested two suspected kidnappers over a failed abduction attempt recorded on June 19, 2026.

The suspects, identified as Iliyasu Hassan, 16, and Idris Abdulkarim, 32, were apprehended on June 22 at about 8:30 p.m. after reportedly emerging from a nearby forest to purchase food and medication.

Police said one of the victims of an earlier kidnapping incident positively identified the duo as members of the gang that abducted him.

Edafe noted that the suspects are currently assisting investigators, while efforts have been intensified to track down other members of the syndicate and recover weapons used in their operations.

Reacting to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended residents for their vigilance and praised the growing collaboration between communities, vigilante groups, and security agencies.

He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to law enforcement authorities, assuring them of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across Delta State.

The latest arrests underscore the Delta State Police Command’s sustained crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in the state.