The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes, including the rescue of a kidnapped three-year-old girl, the arrest of a suspect, and the recovery of firearms in separate operations across the state.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, said operatives of the Command Anti-Vice Squad (CAVS), Sector 2, Ughelli, successfully rescued the child and arrested one Kelvin Ogaga in an intelligence-led operation.

According to him, the suspect, a commercial motorcyclist trusted by the victim’s family to convey the child to school daily, allegedly abducted the girl after picking her up and later demanded a ₦500,000 ransom.

He said the incident was reported on May 18, 2026, by the child’s father after the suspect allegedly disappeared with the victim. Following negotiations, the family reportedly paid the ransom to secure the child’s release.

Acting on intelligence, operatives stormed the suspect’s hideout in Ughelli, where Kelvin Ogaga was arrested.

The police said ₦127,000 suspected to be part of the ransom, items allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime, and the motorcycle used in the operation were recovered.

The suspect is currently in custody as investigations continue.

In a separate operation, operatives of the Department of Operations Buffalo Team recovered a Beretta pistol during a patrol along the Power Line axis by Bonsaac.

Police said the suspect fled after noticing the patrol team, abandoning a black bag containing the firearm and an iPhone.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding the weapon.

Meanwhile, operatives of the Ozoro Division also arrested a suspected cultist during a patrol along Omovutotu Street in Ozoro.

The suspect, identified as Michael Monday, allegedly attempted to escape but was apprehended after a chase.

A search of his bag reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size single-barrel gun and one live cartridge.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect is allegedly a member of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as “Aro Bagger.”

Police said he remains in custody while investigations continue.

(The Guardian)