Police Recover N4.1 Million Ransom and Rescue Victims in Delta State
The Delta state police command has made significant progress in combating kidnapping and other criminal activities within the state and its neighboring areas. In October 2025, the command successfully recovered a ransom of N4.1 million from a gang of kidnappers operating between Delta and Anambra states. This achievement was announced by the state commissioner of police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, during a review of the command’s achievements for the month in Asaba.
During the event, Abaniwonda highlighted the recovery of the ransom money, which was paid to suspected kidnappers in Anambra state. The operation began after two individuals were kidnapped in Oduke, Asaba, on October 3, 2025. Police operatives from the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime unit tracked a 60-year-old suspect named Ndianefo Cypre to Isieke village in Ihiala local government area of Anambra State. It was discovered that his bank account details were used to collect the ransom.
Another suspect, 49-year-old Onwe Sunday, was arrested at Ihiala with N1,500,000 in his possession, which was part of the ransom. Following confessions from the two suspects, a third suspect, Uzoma Ifeanyi Chukwu, was arrested in Nnewi, Anambra state, and N2,600,000 was recovered from him.
Rescues and Arrests in Key Incidents
In addition to recovering the ransom, the police also rescued three male victims who had been kidnapped from the Jeddo community in the Ekpan division. These individuals were reunited with their families, and seven suspects were taken into custody. The rescue operation took place on October 30, 2025, when the DPO Ekpan Division received a distress report about a suspected kidnapping incident at Ubeji Community.
Acting on the report, a team of detectives and patrol operatives was deployed to the scene. Upon sighting the approaching police teams, the suspected kidnappers fled into an abandoned poultry house. The police cordoned the area, leading to the arrest of several suspects, including:
- Felix Omone (m), aged 33 years
- Solomon Omone (m), aged 29
- Tony Eboye (m), 34
- Omone David (m, 32)
- Jerry Omone (m, 33)
- Godspower Omone (m, 25)
- Edewho Bomele (m, 33)
Efforts are ongoing to apprehend any fleeing accomplices and recover weapons or equipment used in the operation.
Additional Rescues and Operations
A housewife who was abducted when armed men broke into her family apartment was also rescued. Operatives from the Ovian Aladja Police station traced the kidnappers after receiving a distress call on October 12, 2025. The victim was found unhurt and reunited with her family, while the manhunt for the suspects continued.
Another woman was rescued after being taken into the bush at Obinonba in Ukwuani council area on November 1. Armed men stopped the motorcycle she was riding on. Acting swiftly, the DPO Obiaruku Division led a team of police operatives in collaboration with the local community Vigilante group on November 2, 2025. During the operation, the kidnappers opened fire, resulting in a fierce gunfight. One suspect was fatally wounded, and the victim was rescued unhurt. A total of one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, and twelve (12) rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
Raids and Seizures in Effurun GRA
In another operation, the police raided a hideout in Effurun GRA in Uwvie council area of the state. They arrested two suspects: 33-year-old Igwe Samson and 39-year-old Abalum Sunday, both from Ovie Palace road off Effurun Road, Warri. During the search of their vehicle, a large quantity of drugs was seized, including:
- 450 bottles of CSP codeine
- 188 bottles of bargadine
- 208 sachets of tramadol 100mg
- 300 sachets of swinol
- 100 sachets of tramadol 500mg
- 50 sachets of rophynol
- A big bag of weed suspected to be cannabis
Call for Public Cooperation
Commissioner Abaniwonda urged the people of Delta State to report any suspicious persons or movements to the police for prompt action. He emphasized the importance of community cooperation in maintaining law and order.