Delta Police Nab 8 Kidnap Suspects, Recover N4m Ransom, Firearms, and Stolen Baby

The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on kidnapping and criminal activities across the state, resulting in the arrest of over eight suspected kidnappers and the recovery of ₦4 million ransom, along with firearms and ammunition.

Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi detailed the series of recent successes by the command’s tactical units and patrol teams.

Major Breakthroughs by the Dragon Patrol Team

On May 12, 2025, operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team, during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Kwale/Ozoro Express Road, intercepted a gold Toyota Sienna traveling from Ughelli to Asaba.

Upon inspection, they recovered ₦3.1 million from four suspects:

• Abubakar Alwalu (25)

• Usman Husseini (25)

• Adamu Mohammed (30)

• Anwalu Umaru (23)

Investigations revealed the suspects were part of a five-man gang that kidnapped a woman in Ughelli, held her hostage for four days, and collected ₦4 million ransom. The victim has positively identified the suspects.

Weapons Recovered in Ondo Forest

Also on May 10, operatives from the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested Abdullahi Ibrahim (22) and Adamu Usman (24) in Ore town, Ondo State.

Based on their confessions, officers recovered:

• 1 AK-47 rifle with 14 rounds

• 1 locally made long gun

• 6 rounds of live cartridges
  The arms were hidden in a forest along Ore-Lagos Expressway.

 Another Arrest, N900,000 Ransom Recovered

On May 12, in a separate operation related to a kidnapping at Itego community, Ibusa, police arrested Lawal Tasiu (26) near Koka Junction, Asaba. He was found in possession of ₦900,000, which he confessed was part of a ransom payment.

Further investigation led police to a hideout in Issele-Azagba, where the following were recovered:

• 1 AK-47 rifle

• 1 pump-action gun

• 2 magazines

• 87 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition

 Baby Rescued in Warri After Trafficking Attempt

In a shocking development, the police also rescued a five-month-old baby who was abducted in Warri. The suspect, Mrs. Joy Temitope Oyetimi (49), had allegedly drugged the child’s mother with juice before fleeing with her two-month-old son.

The Ekpan Police Division led an intelligence-driven investigation, tracked, and arrested the suspect. The child has since been reunited with his family.

CP Olufemi Commits to Sustained Anti-Crime Efforts

CP Olufemi reaffirmed the command’s zero-tolerance policy on kidnapping and child trafficking, noting that proactive policing, intelligence gathering, and raiding criminal hideouts remain key strategies.

“We will continue to pursue criminals relentlessly and ensure that Delta State is safe for all law-abiding residents.”