The Delta State Police Command has intensified its crackdown on armed criminal networks, recording major operational breakthroughs in the fight against kidnapping, illegal possession of ammunition, and other violent crimes across the State.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the coordinated operations carried out in Bomadi, Asaba, and Ubeji communities were a product of “intelligence-led policing, tactical precision, and swift response by field operatives.”
According to the statement, operatives attached to Bomadi Division, led by CSP Adie Peter Bissong, intercepted a motorcycle along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road during a joint stop-and-search operation with local vigilantes around 12:30 hours on October 30, 2025.
The cyclist, who appeared visibly nervous, was conveying a 62-year-old woman later identified as Charter Timide to Tuomo Community. Upon searching a sack she carried, officers discovered 178 live cartridges neatly packed and concealed.
“The suspect confessed to purchasing the cartridges from Onitsha Main Market,” SP Edafe disclosed, noting that the confession has prompted further investigations to trace the source and intended recipients of the ammunition.
The PPRO added that both the suspect and exhibits had been transferred to the State Headquarters for discreet investigation, as the Command works to uncover possible links to arms smugglers or criminal syndicates operating in the creeks.
In another operation, SP Edafe confirmed that a team of detectives from Ekpan Division, led by CSP Labe Joseph, swiftly responded to a distress call at Ubeji Community, behind the Ubeji Gas Plant, on October 30, 2025, at about 11:40 hours.
The team stormed the area following reports of a kidnapping, forcing the suspects to flee into an abandoned poultry house. The DPO’s team cordoned off the area, arresting seven suspects identified as: Felix Omone (33), Solomon Omone (29), Tony Eboye (34), Omone David (32), Jerry Omone (33), Godspower Omone (25), and Edewho Bomele (33) — all residents of Ubeji Community.
“The operation led to the successful rescue of three kidnapped victims, all male, from Jeddo Community, who have since been reunited with their families,” SP Edafe confirmed.
Preliminary investigation, according to him, revealed that the victims were abducted from a dredging site in Ubeji, ferried across a river, and later contacted by their abductors with ransom threats.
“The Command remains relentless in its pursuit of the fleeing suspects and the recovery of arms used during the operation,” Edafe assured.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, applauded the courage, coordination, and professionalism displayed by the officers involved in the successful operations.
“These achievements reflect our renewed operational momentum and strategic intelligence deployment across the Command,” CP Abaniwonda stated. “We will continue to dismantle criminal networks and ensure that every corner of Delta State remains safe for residents.”
The Commissioner urged citizens to remain security-conscious, avoid shielding criminals, and promptly report suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the Command’s Control Room number — 08036684974.
“The Delta State Police Command remains fully committed to the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, and the proliferation of illegal firearms.
“We will sustain the tempo under the directive of the Commissioner of Police until criminal elements have no hiding place,”SP Edafe added.
Delta Police Smash Kidnap Syndicate, Rescue Victims, Recover 178 Live Cartridges in Daring Operations
