Charms, Cutlasses Among Items Recover From Suspects Who Kidnapped 3 Women In Delta

The police in Delta State has arrested one suspect among the gang that kidnapped three ladies in Egbudu-Akah community, Aniocha South local government area of Delta State.

Confirming the incident, the state police public relations officer, DSP Bright Edafe, said that on the evening of March 25, 2024, a concerned citizen who was hunting in the thick forest in Egbudu-Akah community, Aniocha South LGA, noticed a group of people suspected to be kidnappers along with their helpless victims.

The citizen quickly alerted the police about what he had witnessed.

He said that upon receiving the information, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) organized a well-coordinated operation.

The patrol team, along with members of the vigilante, swiftly entered the forest on a rescue mission.

Edafe said that as the police team approached the kidnappers’ hideout, the suspected criminals spotted them and a confrontation ensued.

The kidnappers attempted to escape and exchanged gunfire with the team of officers in a bid to escape.

During the exchange of fire, he said, one of the suspected kidnappers was apprehended, and three kidnapped female victims were rescued.

The victims were immediately taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims had been kidnapped while on their way to the hospital.

It was also discovered that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of fifteen million naira for their release.

Upon searching the scene, the police recovered several items, including three cutlasses, two TECNO phones, a solar panel, a power bank, charms, two torch lights, and various food items.

Edafe hinted that the arrested suspect and the recovered exhibits have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for further investigation.

Similarly, on the same day, officers from the Anti-Crime Patrol Team in Agbor Division conducted a stop and search operation in Ekuku-Agbor Community.

He said that they noticed a young man carrying a suspicious bag, which was found to contain a locally made cut-to-size double barrel gun and a cartridge.

The suspect, identified as Happy Boi Akaibe, 25 years old, was apprehended.

Investigations are ongoing, and the suspect and exhibits have been transferred to the SCID for discreet investigations and appropriate prosecutions.

He noted that the CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has commended the efforts of officers in curbing kidnapping and other crimes in the state.