Security operatives in Delta State have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping and violent crime, following a joint operation that led to the rescue of two victims and the neutralisation of suspected kidnappers.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of April 9, 2026, involved a collaboration between the police Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad and the military. Acting on intelligence, security forces traced the suspects to a hideout along the Ubulu-Uku power line area.
According to the police, the suspects opened fire upon sighting the operatives, leading to a gun battle. The security team responded swiftly, overpowering the gang. Two kidnapped women were rescued during the operation, while two members of the gang were fatally injured.
Items recovered at the scene included an AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of ammunition, and N4.2 million suspected to be ransom proceeds. Authorities have launched further search operations in the area to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the joint effort of security agencies and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents and tackling criminal activities.
In a separate development, police arrested a 32-year-old suspect, Alex Kehinde, in connection with the murder of an 80-year-old man in Aniocha South Local Government Area.
Investigations revealed that the suspect and an accomplice, still at large, had been hired for renovation work by the victim but allegedly conspired to abduct him. The elderly man was later suffocated during the attack inside his home.
The suspects reportedly stole the victim’s belongings, including his phone and motorcycle, and later used his SIM card to contact his family, falsely claiming he had been kidnapped. They allegedly demanded and received a ransom of N2 million before fleeing.
The suspect was later tracked and arrested in Lagos through a technology-driven investigation, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplice.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
