The Delta State Police Command has thwarted an alleged kidnap attempt and recovered firearms and other items after the suspected gang fled their hideout, leaving behind weapons, food supplies and other materials.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the command said operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team acted on credible intelligence and raided a suspected criminal camp located along a bush path in the Upper Agbarho axis of the state.
According to the statement, reports indicated that about six suspected kidnappers were sighted in the area, prompting a coordinated operation at about 9:35 p.m. on January 11, 2026. The operation was led by Julius Robinson in collaboration with community vigilante groups.
“Upon sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire,” the statement noted, adding that officers responded “with superior firepower,” compelling the suspects to escape with varying degrees of injury.
The command disclosed that the fleeing suspects abandoned weapons and food items at the scene. Items recovered included a bowl of soaked garri with three spoons, groundnut, a nylon of garri, sachets of alcoholic drinks, matches, lighters, “one FNC rifle loaded with one round of live ammunition and one pump-action gun with thirty-two rounds of live cartridges.”
“All exhibits have been recovered and taken into custody,” the police said, noting that a manhunt has been launched to arrest those who escaped.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, praised the operatives for their swift action and reliance on intelligence-gathering.
He reiterated that the command “remains resolute in denying criminal elements the space to operate,” stressing that Delta State “will continue to be hostile to all forms of criminality.”
