The Delta State Police Command has foiled planned kidnapping operations and recovered firearms and other dangerous items in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe said, the operations resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of multiple weapons and ammunition.

He noted that these successes underscore the command’s renewed offensive against kidnapping, armed robbery and other criminal activities threatening public safety.

According to him, in the first operation, operatives attached to the Ebrumede Police Division, while conducting an intensive stop-and-search exercise along Garki-Uti Road in Effurun on August 4, intercepted three suspected armed robbers.

Edafe disclosed in a statement yesterday that one of the suspects, a 28-year-old Benjamin Haruna, was arrested, while two others, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle.

According to the police, a search of the suspects’ bag led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrel guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, one axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, one lighter and a camouflage military polo.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were transporting the weapons and other exhibits to their hideout along the Sapele Road axis before they were intercepted by the police,” he said

Edafe said the suspect is currently in custody assisting investigators, while security operatives have launched a coordinated manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

In a separate operation, the command thwarted a planned kidnapping after operatives of the ‘A’ Division in Ughelli acted on credible intelligence regarding an alleged plot to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal, Edafe further narrated.

Edafe said the intelligence revealed that a 26-year-old suspect, Jeremiah Kwane, had allegedly attempted to recruit an individual into a kidnapping syndicate to execute the planned abductions in Ughelli.

“Acting swiftly on the information, police operatives arrested the suspect at his place of work on July 31 before the alleged plot could be carried out.

“A search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of one single-barrel gun and two live cartridges.

“The suspect remains in police custody and is undergoing further investigation as detectives work to uncover other members of the alleged kidnapping syndicate and determine the full scope of the planned operation,” he added.