Police foil kidnap plot in Delta community, arrest suspects

Operatives from the Delta State Police Command thwarted a planned kidnapping in Ughelli, Ughelli North Local Government Area, and arrested two suspects. The incident was reported on Wednesday by the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe. Acting on credible intelligence, 'A' Division, Ughelli, intercepted Jeremiah Kwane, a 26-year-old man, who allegedly sought to recruit an individual into a kidnapping syndicate to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal.

The police recovered a single-barrel gun and two live cartridges during the operation and are currently investigating the suspect.

On August 4, 2026, Ebrumede Division intercepted three suspected armed robbers along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun. Benjamin Haruna, 28, was arrested while Omelo and Alabanco fled on a motorcycle. The police found two locally made double-barrel guns, eleven live cartridges, an expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter, and a camouflage military polo.

Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects were transporting the items to their hideout along Sapele Road. The arrested suspects are in custody, and a manhunt is ongoing for the fugitives. State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the command’s resolve to pursue kidnappers, armed robbers, and other violent criminals, and urged residents to provide timely and credible information to enhance safety and security.