Police foil kidnap plot in Delta community, arrest suspects

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have successfully thwarted a planned kidnapping in Ughelli, arresting two suspects in intelligence-led operations. The arrests were made in separate incidents aimed at disrupting criminal activities within the state.

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On July 31, 2026, operatives of ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, while acting on credible intelligence, foiled a planned kidnapping following information that Jeremiah Kwane, 26, had allegedly attempted to recruit an individual into a kidnapping syndicate with a view to abducting a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.

On July 31, 2026, police acting on credible intelligence arrested Jeremiah Kwane, 26, for allegedly attempting to recruit individuals into a kidnapping syndicate. The syndicate reportedly planned to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli. During the operation, police recovered a single-barrel gun and two live cartridges from the suspect.

In a separate development on August 4, 2026, police on patrol intercepted three suspected armed robbers along Garki-Uti Road in Effurun. One suspect, Benjamin Haruna, 28, was apprehended, while two others escaped on a motorcycle. A search of a bag belonging to the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrel guns, eleven live cartridges, an expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, and other items.

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During the operation, Benjamin Haruna, 28, was arrested, while two other suspects identified as Omelo and Alabanco escaped on a motorcycle.

The arrested suspects are in custody, and efforts are underway to apprehend the individuals who escaped. The State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the command's commitment to combating kidnappers, armed robbers, and other violent criminals, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to enhance security.

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The suspects were transporting the exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road.