Police rescue kidnap victim, arrest eight suspects in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim at Owa Alero in Ika North East Local Government Area of the state.

Three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp were also recovered in separate intelligence-led operations conducted across the state between October 20 and 23, 2026.

According to a statement by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Saturday, operatives of Owa-Oyibu Division, in collaboration with local volunteer groups, rescued the abducted man on October 20.

The victim was reportedly seized in front of his residence and dragged into a nearby bush. Following a report lodged by his brother, operatives began an intensive search of the surrounding bushes, which led to his rescue the following day.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a hotel in Abraka suspected to be a hideout for drug-related activities. Six suspected cultists were arrested during the raid, while some others fled on sighting the operatives. A bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered.

The statement said investigation was ongoing to establish the ownership and source of the firearm and identify other persons connected with the incident.

Similarly, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area, on Wednesday raided the residence of 62-year-old Richard Nmorsi in Ekuku-Agbor community, Ika South Local Government Area.

A search of the premises, conducted pursuant to a duly obtained warrant, led to the recovery of one locally fabricated single-barrel firearm, 24 live cartridges and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp. The suspect was arrested, while the exhibits were taken into custody for further investigation.

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The operatives also raided the residence of 56-year-old Amechi Osemeke in the same community and recovered one serviceable double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge. The suspect was arrested and is helping the police with their investigation.

The Commissioner of Police, Samuel E. Erale, reiterated that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks, recovering illegally possessed firearms and safeguarding communities across the state.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police, assuring them that no effort would be spared in ensuring their safety and security.