By Mick Oseji, Asaba
The Delta State Police Command has rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim and arrested eight suspected armed robbers and cultists in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
The operations, conducted between October 20 and 23, 2026, also led to the recovery of three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
Giving details of the operations, the command said on October 20, 2026, operatives of the Owa-Oyibu Division, in collaboration with local volunteer groups, rescued the 23-year-old man who was abducted by two suspected kidnappers on October 19 at Owa-Alero.
According to the police, the victim was seized in front of his residence and dragged into a nearby bush. Following a report by his brother, operatives launched an intensive search of surrounding bushes, leading to his rescue the next day. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing abductors.
In another operation on October 23, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence, raided a hotel in Abraka suspected to be a hideout for drug-related activities.
During the raid, six suspected cultists were arrested and a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp was recovered. Some suspects reportedly fled on sighting the operatives. The police said investigation is ongoing to establish ownership of the firearm and identify other persons linked to the incident.
Similarly, on October 21, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubuluku, acting on credible intelligence, raided the residence of one Richard Nmorsi, 62, at Ekuku-Agbor community in Ika South Local Government Area.
The release noted that a search of the premises led to the recovery of exhibits.
