The Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command said it apprehended 16 suspects linked to a series of criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, and drug trafficking, in its efforts to combat crime across the state.
Disclosed during a press briefing in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda highlighted various successes including the recovery of the sum of N2.34 million, four AK-47 rifles, 138 rounds of ammunition, 15 cut-to-size guns and eight pump-action guns.
According to the Commissioner, several kidnap victims were rescued in sting operations, including a recent case along the Asaba-Benin Expressway. The victims, he said, were reunited with their families as efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects continued.
Also, the Police said it thwarted a kidnap plot at Delta State Polytechnic’s graduation ceremony, adding that the suspects fled after sustaining injuries, and firearms were recovered.
According to him, several arrests were made, including kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists. A key arrest involved six suspected kidnappers intercepted with a ransom of ₦2.34 million.
‘’Several high-calibre firearms and ammunition, including locally made guns, Beretta pistols, and live cartridges, were seized during various operations. The command also intercepted a suspected drug dealer, recovering large quantities of codeine and tramadol.
‘’Notably, during one of the search operations in Oviri-Ogor forest, a gun duel ensued between the gang of kidnappers and the police operatives resulting in the death of a suspect.
‘’With the “ember” months approaching, the Command has increased its vigilance through visibility policing and intensified raids across the 25 local government areas to maintain safety and security’’ he said.
In a startling confession, a 29-year-old suspected kidnapper, Tony Inise, revealed to journalists his involvement in a kidnapping operation where he received ₦5 million in ransom. Inise, who was arrested in Sapele, admitted to starting his involvement in kidnapping just last year.
“I was tracked and arrested in Sapele. I started this kidnapping business last year, but I don’t know what made me commit the crime,” he confessed during the interview.
