Arrested suspects
Delta State Police Command has recorded a series of breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime, leading to the rescue of a kidnap victim, the arrest of three suspected armed robbers and the recovery of a locally fabricated pistol and hard drugs in separate operations across the state.
The Command disclosed the successes in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe.
According to the police, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad (SAKU) rescued a male kidnap victim who had been abducted in Okpanam without the payment of any ransom.
SP Edafe said the operation followed intelligence received by the Command on June 11 regarding the victim’s abduction by armed men a day earlier.
He said the anti-kidnapping squad acting on the information launched a coordinated intelligence-driven operation aimed at locating the victim and tracking down the suspects.
Police spokesman said sustained pressure mounted on the kidnappers through strategic deployments and intelligence gathering forced the criminals to abandon their captive and flee their hideout.
He said the victim was subsequently rescued unharmed, debriefed and reunited with his family.
According to him, efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects, while investigations into the incident continue.
In a separate operation, SP Edafe said officers attached to the Distress 01 Patrol Team of the Department of Operations arrested three suspected armed robbers during a routine patrol in Asaba.
He said the suspects were intercepted on June 12 at about 12:30 p.m. while travelling in a tricycle.
A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol.
The arrested suspects were identified as Ewendeze De-Grace, 19; Eruweghene Amede, 20; and Chukwuemeka Arinze, 21.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, revealed that the trio are members of the Aro Bagger Confraternity.
The suspects remain in police custody alongside the recovered firearm as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, operatives of the Kwale Division also arrested a woman during a raid on a suspected drug distribution point in Kwale.
The operation, carried out on June 10 following credible intelligence, targeted a location allegedly being used for illicit drug activities.
Police said two male suspects fled the scene upon sighting operatives, while a 45-year-old woman identified as Ananyi Vivian was arrested.
Investigators later discovered that the premises was allegedly being used as a hub for illegal drug-related activities.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted being aware of the unlawful activities taking place at the location.
The police said efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects and uncover other individuals connected to the operation of the suspected drug distribution network.
Commenting on the operations, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers involved for their dedication and professionalism.
“He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering resolve to combat all forms of crime and criminality and urged members of the public to continue supporting the Police with timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to keep Delta State safe and secure.”
The Command reiterated its commitment to sustaining the crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and drug-related crimes across the state.
