Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim and arrested five suspects in separate operations targeting kidnapping and cult-related crimes in the state.

The operations also led to the recovery of a fabricated Beretta pistol, one magazine, two rounds of live ammunition, a battle axe, four cutlasses and a hammer.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.

Edafe said that on October 3, 2026, at about 8:30am, the Divisional Police Officer, Otu-Jeremi Division, acting on intelligence from the DPO of Ovwian-Aladja Division, mobilised operatives to Usiefrun Community, where a 25-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted and held hostage.

He said the victim was rescued, while the main suspect, identified as 29-year-old Brotugbare Francis Onome, was arrested.

“A search of the premises led to the recovery of one fabricated Beretta pistol, one magazine and two rounds of live ammunition. Investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.

In a related development, Edafe said the Abraka Division received a report on October 1 concerning an alleged plot to kidnap a woman in the community.

He said following credible intelligence, operatives of the division, in collaboration with members of the Civilian Anti-Cult Operatives, arrested 37-year-old Endurance Akpade and 43-year-old Edwin Friday Morgan.

The suspects, he added, were taken into police custody and were assisting with the investigation.

Also on October 1, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, acting on intelligence obtained from a viral video showing suspected cultists celebrating the murder of another suspected cult member, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Oghara.

The operation led to the arrest of 23-year-old Ezekiel Sunday Izomor and 23-year-old Emmanuel Ogaganefe in connection with the cult-related killing of a 25-year-old man identified as Godfrey at Jesse Main Market, Ethiope West Local Government Area, on March 24, 2026.

The police said one battle axe, four cutlasses and one hammer were recovered during the operation.

According to the statement, preliminary investigation revealed that a suspect identified as Collins allegedly wanted to become the leader of the Aro Bagger Confraternity and allegedly plotted the murder of a rival cult member to achieve his ambition.

The statement added that Collins allegedly connived with the two arrested suspects and one Richman, described as a close friend of the victim.

“Richman and Collins are at large, but efforts to arrest them are on top gear,” the statement said.

The police said the arrested suspects were in custody and assisting with the investigation.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Erale, commended the operatives for their swift response and effective intelligence sharing.

Eralе reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the fight against kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes.

He urged members of the public to continue providing the police with credible and timely information, while admonishing youths to shun cultism, which he described as a threat to their future. (PUNCH)

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