Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have busted a kidnapping syndicate operating along the Warri–Sapele axis, rescuing victims, arresting five suspects, and recovering firearms in a series of coordinated operations.
The breakthrough followed the investigation of a kidnapping incident that occurred on February 1, 2026, along the Warri–Sapele Road near Adeje Community, where a group of travellers was ambushed and abducted by armed hoodlums.
The incident was formally reported on February 4, after two of the victims escaped and raised alarm, prompting a swift response involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes.
Sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were subsequently rescued unhurt.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested a suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, on February 4 while attempting to withdraw money from one of the victim’s ATM cards at a POS point in Adeje Community.
The case was thereafter transferred to the CP-Special Assignment Team for discreet investigation, leading to further arrests.
On March 31, operatives apprehended Samuel Omonigho, 31, in Kokori Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Henry Christmas, 22, in Adeje Community, Okpe Local Government Area.
Further operations on April 5 led to the arrest of two additional suspects, Ovo Wilson Junior, 24, in Mereje Community, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel, 36, in Ughwagba Community.
Police investigations revealed that Abel, a tricycle rider, allegedly played a logistical role by conveying members of the syndicate to and from their operational bases.
In a follow-up operation on April 13, operatives raided a hideout at Oka Junction, Agbarho, where a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition and a locally made gun with seven live cartridges were recovered.
The syndicate is believed to be responsible for a series of kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and surrounding communities.
The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the synergy among security agencies and the vigilance of residents, noting that the success of the operation was made possible through timely intelligence and coordinated action.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the crackdown on violent crime and ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
Investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
