Delta State Police Command, yesterday, confirmed the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and the recovery of a N5 million ransom.

The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirming the incident to The Guardian in Asaba, stated that six other suspected kidnappers were fatally wounded during gun battles with police operatives in different sting operations across the state.

These operations were carried out under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, as part of intensified efforts to rid the state of criminal elements, The Guardian learnt

According to Edafe, on July 12, 2025, about 6.30 a.m., operatives of the command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, led by CSP Godwin Osadolor, stormed a hideout in Ogwashi-Uku, Oshimili North Local Council, and arrested a suspected kidnapper identified as Sanusi Abdulahi.

“The suspect was found in possession of N5 million, believed to be part of ransom paid by one of their victims. Preliminary investigations revealed that Abdulahi and his gang were responsible for multiple kidnappings in Ibusa, Ogwashi-Uku, Obulu-Okiti, Issele-Uku, Issele-Asagba and surrounding areas.

They were also implicated in the abduction of a young woman in Ogwashi-Uku on July 9, 2025.

The suspect led operatives to other hideouts at Second Deputy and Oko in Asaba, where four other gang members were arrested.

Investigations into the matters are ongoing.

Edafe also mentioned that on July 9, 2025, about 8.35 a.m., operatives from the CP’s Special Assignment Team raided another criminal hideout along the Patani-Ughelli Expressway, near the Unenurhie axis.

“The raid targeted a notorious kidnap gang led by Solomon Danisco, alias Picolo, alongside other members, including Nelson Jacob, Oruma Saturday, Olise Jude, Precious Urhobowin and Whisky Rufus, also known as “Asawana” from Ewu community.

The suspects, armed with locally-made weapons, engaged the police in a fierce gunfight. Six of them sustained fatal injuries and were confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are receiving treatment under police custody.

Items recovered from the scene include four locally-made guns and 19 rounds of live cartridges.

CP Abaniwonda reaffirmed the command’s commitment to clamp down on criminal elements to ensure the safety of residents across the state.

“The Delta State Police Command will not relent in its resolve to root out kidnappers and violent criminals. These successes are a testament to our zero tolerance for criminality,” Edafe added.