On Wednesday, police operatives in Delta State rescued a 48-year-old woman who was kidnapped in the state. The rescue operation followed a distress call that prompted the Divisional Police Officer, Oghara Division, to lead a team of operatives, including the Quick Response Squad, vigilantes, and hunters, into Ovade Forest, Oghara, in the Ethiope West council area. The police team reportedly came under attack from suspected kidnappers, who engaged them in a gun battle before retreating and abandoning the victim.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, commended the operatives and other security stakeholders involved in the operations. He declared that the command would sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes. According to a statement by SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer, one unidentified suspect was found lifeless, while another, identified as Abubakhar Sani, was arrested with gunshot injuries. Both suspects were later confirmed dead at the hospital.
During the operation, police recovered a dagger, NIN slip, OPay Verve card, Tecno mobile phone, and other personal effects. The rescued woman is stable and undergoing debriefing, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the other fleeing suspects. The police also arrested 50 suspected cultists in separate operations in Eku and Obiaruku, in the Ethiope East and Ukwuani council areas of the state.
Thirty suspects, comprising 29 males and one female, were arrested on September 19 when operatives of Abraka Division, supported by the State Intelligence Department and local vigilantes, raided a suspected cult initiation gathering in Eku. Police said a preliminary investigation indicated that the gathering was allegedly linked to the initiation of new members into the Black Axe Confraternity.
The suspects were transferred to the Command Anti-Cult Unit, Sector 2, Ozoro, for further investigation. Following intelligence obtained during the investigation, the CACU Sector 2 commander and his operatives arrested 20 additional suspects in Obiaruku on September 20. The suspects comprised 15 males and five females and were arrested over suspected cult-related activities.
The police said the investigation is ongoing to establish their individual involvement. The arrested suspects are being held for further investigation and possible prosecution. The police operations are part of efforts to curb kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes in the state.
The Delta State Police Command has been intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity in the state. The command has been engaging with various stakeholders, including vigilantes and hunters, to gather intelligence and conduct operations against criminal elements. The recent operations demonstrate the command's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of citizens in the state.
Key points
- The police rescued a 48-year-old woman kidnapped in Delta State after a gunfight in Ovade Forest.
- The police arrested 50 suspected cultists in separate operations in Eku and Obiaruku.
- The operations were part of efforts to curb kidnapping, cultism, and other violent crimes in the state.
