The Delta State Police Command has busted a kidnapping syndicate, rescued victims, arrested five suspected kidnappers, and recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol with three rounds of live ammunition and one locally made gun with seven live cartridges.
The breakthrough follows the investigation of a kidnapping that occurred on February 1, 2026, at about 8:00 p.m., along the Warri–Sapele Road by Adeje Community. The incident was reported on February 4 at about 5:00 p.m., after a group of travellers was ambushed by armed hoodlums who took the victims into the bush. Two of the victims escaped and raised alarm, prompting a coordinated response involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes. Sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were rescued unhurt.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of Orerokpe Division arrested Dafiaga Timothy on February 4 while he attempted to withdraw money using one of the victim’s ATM cards at a POS point in Adeje Community. The DPO Orerokpe Division was directed to transfer the case to the CP-Special Assignment Team for further investigation.
Following interrogation and intelligence, operatives arrested Samuel Omonigho, 31, in Kokori Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Henry Christmas, 22, in Adeje Community, Okpe Local Government Area, on March 31 at about 4:00 p.m.
On April 5 at about 2:45 p.m., operatives arrested two more members of the syndicate: Ovo Wilson Junior, also known as “Sheboy”, 24, in Mereje Community, Okpe Local Government Area, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel, 36, in Ughwagba Community, Okpe Local Government Area. Investigation revealed that Emakpo Ubiaro Abel is a tricycle rider who conveys the gang members to and from their operational locations.
On April 13 at about 5:35 a.m., operatives of CP-Special Assignment Team carried out a follow-up operation at a hideout at Oka Junction, Agbarho. A search led to the recovery of one fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition and one locally made gun with seven live cartridges.
The syndicate has been linked to a series of kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and adjoining areas.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the synergy between security agencies and the vigilance of community members which contributed to the success of the operations.
The statement was issued by Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, in Asaba on April 17, 2026.
