Delta State Police Foil Kidnapping Attempt: Key Suspects Arrested and Key Items Recovered....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a decisive action, the Delta State Police Command thwarted a kidnapping attempt by a criminal syndicate in Oghara Kingdom, Ethiope West Local Government Area. The operation, which took place on August 13, 2024, saw the police engage the suspects in a dramatic gun battle, ultimately leading to their retreat and injury.

On the day of the attempted kidnapping, as Delta State Polytechnic, Oghara, celebrated its graduation ceremony, Chief Superintendent of Police Olasunkanmi Musiliu, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Oghara Division, received intelligence about a planned abduction of guests attending the event. Promptly acting on this information, Musiliu mobilized a team of police operatives to the suspects’ hideouts located in a bush along Otefe/Ovade Legit Road.

Upon their arrival, the suspects attempted to flee, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. During the confrontation, the suspects sustained various gunshot wounds. The police recovered crucial evidence from the scene, including one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, one English pump-action gun, and one locally made cut-to-size gun. A manhunt for the remaining suspects who escaped is currently underway.

The following day, on August 14, 2024, at approximately 19:45 hrs, the Oghara Division’s anti-crime patrol team conducted a routine stop and search along Otefe Ijomi Community Road. They intercepted a motorcycle carrying Ovoke Benedict, a 22-year-old Computer Science student from Delta State Polytechnic Otefe, and Fredrick Urhoborume, a 23-year-old Business Administration student from the same institution. Both individuals are from Ughelli North LGA.

A search of the motorcycle revealed a locally made cut-to-size gun with six live cartridges. Preliminary investigations have identified both individuals as suspected members of the Arrow Barger Confraternity. Further investigation into their affiliations and activities is ongoing.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, expressed his gratitude to the public for their support and emphasized the importance of providing credible and timely information to aid in crime prevention. He encouraged residents to report suspicious activities either directly to the nearest police station or by calling the control room numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, or 08025666914.

In an effort to enhance security measures and combat crime, CP Abaniwonda has instructed all Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) to ensure thorough policing in their respective areas. He emphasized the need for community-based policing and proactive measures, including increased visibility patrols.