By Augustine Ehikioya
Police ooperatives in Delta State have arrested one suspected kidnapper and recovered two stolen vehicles among other items.
This was disclosed by a statement signed on Sunday by SP. Edafe Bright, Police Public Relations Officer, DeltaStateCommand. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
On the suspected kidnapper, the statement said “The DPO Abbi division CSP Florence Onum received credible intelligence that there was a plan to kidnap a prominent member of Abbi community.
“Acting on this intelligence, the DPO Kwale and operatives of the Division embarked on a discreet investigation, and 21/10/2024 at about 1900hrs one Hon. Ndubisi Okechhukwu “m” a two times Councillor in Emu-Uno Kwale was arrested.
“The suspect stated that he was suspended from being a councillor. He further stated that he wanted to kidnap the said woman so that the Local Government would pay the ransom since he knew the woman was close to the Local Government Chairman, the suspect is in custody and the investigation is ongoing.” it stated
The Command, it said, also recovered one beretta Pistol, and a suspected stolen vehicle.
“Acting on credible intelligence gathered on the activities of a suspected kidnapper one Philip Onoghosa, the gang leader of a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Sapele – Warri Road, on 25/10/2024, at about 1730hrs operatives of CP – Special Assignment Team (CP – SAT), led by ASP Julius Robinson went on the trail of the said suspect in Sapele town.
“The suspect who was at Amukpe Roundabout buying illicit drugs sighted the operatives and a lady took to his heel abandoning one Black Toyota Corolla with Reg No: SKL 330 AE upon search of the vehicle, one Beretta pistol loaded with two (2) live ammunition was recovered beneath the driver’s seat search. Manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing.”
On another case, it said “On 22/10/2024 at about 1700hrs, the Safer Highway Patrol Team deployed to Sapele while conducting an intensive stop and search along Mosogar-Benin Road flagged down a Toyota RAV 4 SUV black in color with Reg. No: KUJ-311-MB.
“The driver before getting to the checkpoint manoeuvred the vehicle and sped off. The Police operatives immediately went after him. The suspect on noticing that the Policemen were closing in on him, abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.
“The vehicle was recovered, and upon search of the vehicle, the vehicle particulars bearing the name and contact of the owner were found. The owner was immediately contacted and stated that the vehicle was stolen from his compound in Kogi State.
“Two metal master keys and fourteen different Toyota vehicle keys were recovered. Investigation and efforts to arrest the suspect are ongoing.” it said.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, it noted, has reiterated the command’s commitment to ensure that Crime in the state is reduced so that residents and Deltans can sleep with their two eyes closed.
The CP further stated that due to the Ember month period, there may be a likely increase in crime hence, policemen have been deployed around the twenty-five local government areas and embark on intensive visibility patrol while constant raiding of criminal hideouts and black spots will be intensified.
“Members of the public are urged to partner with the Police by providing useful, timely, and credible information that will help the Police in the fight against crime and criminality.” the statement stated.
