Delta Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Eight Suspects, Recover Firearms, 26 Cartridges

Delta Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Eight Suspects, Recover Firearms, 26 Cartridges

By Naomi Onome

The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim, arrested eight suspected criminals and recovered three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp in separate operations across the state.

The operations, conducted between October 20 and 23, 2026, targeted suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists and other criminal elements, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Saturday.

Police Rescue Kidnap Victim in Owa-Alero

The police rescued the 23-year-old man on October 20 following his abduction by two suspected kidnappers at Owa-Alero on October 19.

The victim was reportedly seized in front of his residence and dragged into a nearby bush.

Following a report by his brother, operatives of the Owa-Oyibu Division, working with local volunteer groups, launched a search of the surrounding bushes, leading to the victim’s rescue the following day.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Six Suspected Cultists Arrested in Abraka Hotel Raid

In a separate operation on October 23, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) arrested six suspected cultists during a raid on a hotel in Abraka allegedly linked to drug-related activities.

The operation, which followed credible intelligence, led to the recovery of a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The command said some individuals fled upon sighting the operatives, adding that investigations were ongoing to establish the ownership and source of the recovered firearm and identify other persons connected to the incident.

62-Year-Old Man Arrested, Firearm and 24 Cartridges Recovered

On October 21, 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 secured for further investigation.

Police Recover Double-Barrel Gun from 56-Year-Old Man

Also on October 23, operatives of SAKU Sector III, Ubuluku, arrested a 56-year-old man, Amechi Osemeke, at Ekuku-Agbor Community in Ika South LGA.

According to the command, the arrest followed intelligence received by the operatives, who searched the suspect’s residence with a duly obtained warrant.

The search led to the recovery of a serviceable double-barrel firearm and one live cartridge.

The police said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the suspect’s possession of the firearm.

CP Reaffirms Commitment to Fighting Crime

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 residents across the state.

He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police, assuring residents that the command would continue to work towards ensuring their safety and security.

Read Also:Delta Police Rescue Kidnap Victim, Arrest Five Suspects Over Kidnapping, Cult-Related Murder

The statement was signed by SP Bright Edafe, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD, Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, Asaba, on October 24, 2026.