The police operation in Delta State has led to the rescue of a three-year-old kidnapped child, the arrest of suspected criminals, and the recovery of illegal weapons during separate security raids across the state.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the breakthroughs on Saturday, describing the operations as part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping, cultism and violent crime.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives attached to the Command Anti-Vice Squad in Ughelli successfully rescued the abducted child after tracking down the prime suspect.
The suspect, identified as Kelvin Ogaga, was reportedly responsible for taking the child to school daily before allegedly masterminding the kidnapping.
Police sources claimed the suspect demanded a ransom of N500,000 from the victim’s family after abducting the child.
However, security operatives later moved in after gathering what authorities described as credible technical intelligence.
During the raid, police recovered N127,000 believed to be part of the ransom payment. Furthermore, officers reportedly recovered valuables allegedly bought with proceeds from the crime.
Authorities also seized the motorcycle allegedly used during the kidnapping operation.
SP Bright Edafe confirmed that the suspect remains in police custody while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, another security operation carried out by the Buffalo Team of the Department of Operations led to the recovery of a firearm during a stop-and-search patrol.
According to police reports, operatives noticed a suspicious man carrying a black bag near the Power Line axis by Bonsaac.
However, the suspect reportedly fled immediately after sighting the patrol team.
Although he escaped from the scene, security operatives recovered the abandoned bag during a search operation.
Edafe stated, “Although the suspect escaped, he abandoned the bag, which was later searched and found to contain the pistol and an iPhone.”
Police confirmed that a Beretta pistol was recovered from the bag. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspect.
In a separate operation, officers attached to the Ozoro Division reportedly arrested another suspect identified as Michael Monday during a routine township patrol.
According to police authorities, the suspect allegedly attempted to escape after noticing security operatives along Omovutotu Street in Ozoro.
A search conducted on a black handbag in his possession reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun and one live cartridge.
Furthermore, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is allegedly linked to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Aro Bagger.”
Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended officers involved in the operations and praised their swift response.
He also stressed the importance of stop-and-search operations in preventing violent crimes and recovering illegal firearms.
