The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping of a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli, arresting a suspected gang member and recovering firearms and ammunition.
The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Jeremiah Kwane, was apprehended after operatives of the Ughelli ‘A’ Division received intelligence that he was attempting to recruit another individual into a kidnapping syndicate.
According to the police, the gang had concluded plans to abduct the two intended victims before detectives intervened and disrupted the operation.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges. He remains in police custody as investigations continue.
In a separate operation, officers attached to the Ebrumede Division arrested 28-year-old Benjamin Haruna during a stop-and-search exercise along Garki-Uti Road in Effurun.
Police said Haruna was travelling on a motorcycle with two other suspects, identified as Omelo and Alabanco, when security operatives intercepted them. The two accomplices reportedly fled the scene, leaving Haruna behind.
A search of the suspects’ bag led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrel guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a camouflage military polo.
Investigators believe the weapons and other recovered items were being transported to the gang’s hideout along Sapele Road before the suspects were intercepted.
Confirming the arrests on Wednesday, Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has reaffirmed the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state, while urging residents to continue providing credible information to support security operations….See more