Delta State Police Command has deployed a technical anti-kidnapping unit, leveraging on intelligence-driven strategies to track down the abductors of Sapele local government area chairman, Chief Bright Abeke.

The council boss was reportedly kidnapped by heavily armed gunmen in a daring attack that has heightened fears over insecurity in the area.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the development on Sunday, stating that operatives were already making progress in the investigation.

“We have deployed technical and intelligence anti-kidnapping units to Sapele and we are already getting useful information about the abductors,” Edafe said.

“There has been no ransom demand yet, but we are optimistic that they will be fished out from their hideout soon. However, for the safety of the victim, we must be cautious in how we navigate and apprehend them.

The incident, which occurred at about 7 p.m. on Friday, saw no fewer than 15 gunmen storm a hotel along Owumi Road, identified as Debro Fred Guest House, where the council boss was reportedly lodged.

It was said that the attackers arrived in a Range Rover SUV and two other vehicles, fired sporadically into the air to disperse residents and guests before whisking away their target to an unknown destination.

The brazen operation left at least one casualty, as a member of a local vigilante group, identified simply as Ufuoma, was shot during the attack.

He was said to have been rushed to a nearby hospital, although his condition remained uncertain as of press time.

Security presence has since been heightened across the area, with operatives mounting surveillance and cordoning off major entry and exit points in Sapele to prevent the suspects from escaping.

In a show of leadership and urgency, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, undertook an on-the-ground operational visit to the locality to personally assess the situation and coordinate response efforts.

During the visit, the CP inspected key locations linked to the abduction, including the hotel where the incident occurred and Ogorode Waterside, where a vehicle believed to have been used by the kidnappers was recovered.

The discovery is expected to aid ongoing intelligence gathering and forensic investigations, perpetrators and secure the safe release of the abducted chairman.

Oyeniyi also paid a visit to the family of the abducted chairman, where he met with his wife, offering assurances that the police command is doing everything within its capacity to ensure his safe and unharmed return.

He further visited hospitals where victims injured during the attack are receiving treatment.

The Commissioner emphasised that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are working round the clock using credible intelligence to track down the suspects.

The Police Command, however, reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, expressing confidence that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended and brought to justice.