POLICE RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIM, ARREST SUSPECTED CULTISTS IN DELTA

By: Muftau Fatimo

The Delta State Police Command says it has recorded significant breakthroughs in its sustained crackdown on criminal activities across the state, including the rescue of a kidnap victim, the arrest of three suspected cult members, and the recovery of a firearm and illicit drugs in separate operations.

The Command disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday, June 13, by its Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.

According to the statement, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad successfully rescued a victim who had been abducted by armed men in Okpanam on June 10.

Police said the operation was launched following intelligence received on June 11 concerning the abduction, leading to swift action by operatives and the eventual rescue of the victim.

Acting swiftly on the report, operatives deployed intelligence assets and commenced a strategic operation aimed at locating the victim and apprehending the perpetrators,” the statement said.

The command added that sustained intelligence gathering and operational pressure forced the kidnappers to abandon their victim.

“As pressure mounted on the kidnappers through sustained intelligence gathering and operational deployment, the suspects abandoned the victim and fled from their hideout. The victim was rescued unhurt, debriefed, and reunited with his family,” the statement continued.

The police said efforts are still underway to track down and arrest the suspects who escaped during the operation.

In a separate development, operatives of the Distress 01 Patrol Team under the Department of Operations apprehended three suspected armed robbers in Asaba and recovered a locally made Beretta pistol.

According to the command, the suspects were intercepted on June 12 while travelling in a tricycle during a routine patrol exercise.

The statement added, “The suspects were searched, leading to the recovery of one locally fabricated Beretta pistol.”

The suspects were identified as Ewendeze De-Grace, 19; Eruweghene Amede, 20; and Chukwuemeka Arinze, 21.

The police noted that while the investigation is ongoing, preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspects are members of the Aro Bagger Confraternity

In the command’s efforts against the proliferation of hard drugs, the statement also disclosed the arrest of a 45-year-old woman, Ananyi Vivian, following a raid on a suspected drug distribution point in Kwale.

According to the statement, operatives responded immediately to the report by deploying intelligence resources and launching a coordinated operation to rescue the victim and track down those responsible for the abduction.

 

The command stated that continuous intelligence gathering and sustained operational pressure eventually forced the kidnappers to abandon their captive and flee.

 

“As pressure intensified through sustained intelligence efforts and operational deployment, the kidnappers deserted the victim and escaped from their hideout. The victim was rescued unharmed, debriefed, and reunited with his family,” the statement said.

Police added that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest the fleeing suspects.

In another operation, operatives attached to the Distress 01 Patrol Team of the Department of Operations arrested three suspected armed robbers in Asaba and recovered a locally made Beretta pistol.

According to the command, the suspects were intercepted on June 12 while travelling in a tricycle during a routine patrol exercise.

A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of the firearm.

The suspects were identified as Ewendeze De-Grace, 19; Eruweghene Amede, 20; and Chukwuemeka Arinze, 21.

Police said preliminary findings indicate that the suspects are members of the Aro Bagger Confraternity, while investigations remain ongoing.

In a separate move against illicit drug activities, the command announced the arrest of a 45-year-old woman, Ananyi Vivian, during a raid on a suspected drug distribution centre in Kwale.

The operation, carried out by operatives of the Kwale Division on June 10 following credible intelligence, reportedly led to the escape of two male suspects, while Vivian was apprehended at the scene.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the location was being used for illegal drug-related operations.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted having knowledge of the unlawful activities taking place at the premises.

The command added that investigations are continuing, with efforts being intensified to arrest the fleeing suspects and other individuals linked to the drug operation.

Commenting on the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved.

According to the statement, the commissioner “commended the officers involved in the operations for their professionalism, vigilance, and commitment to duty.”

He also “reaffirmed the command’s unwavering resolve to combat all forms of crime and criminality” and urged residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to enhance security across the state.

The command also disclosed that it arrested suspected fraudsters allegedly involved in defrauding unsuspecting members of the public with counterfeit United States dollar notes.

According to reports on Friday, the suspects were apprehended while allegedly carrying out their activities in a red, unregistered Mercedes-Benz GLK SUV.