The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping in Ughelli and arrested two suspected criminals in separate intelligence-led operations, recovering three locally made guns, 13 live cartridges and other incriminating items.
The command said one of the suspects allegedly planned to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal, while another was arrested during a stop-and-search operation linked to suspected armed robbery activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Asaba.
According to the statement, operatives of the Ebrumede Division on August 4 intercepted three suspected armed robbers during a stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road in Effurun.
Edafe said one of the suspects, identified as 28-year-old Benjamin Haruna, was arrested, while two others, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle.
He said a search of a bag belonging to the suspects led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrel guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a camouflage military polo.
“The suspects were transporting the exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road before they were intercepted by the operatives,” the statement said.
He added that the arrested suspect remained in police custody, while efforts had been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
In another operation, the police said operatives of the ‘A’ Division in Ughelli foiled a kidnap plot after acting on credible intelligence on July 31.
Edafe said intelligence reports indicated that a 26-year-old suspect, Jeremiah Kwane, allegedly attempted to recruit another individual into a kidnapping syndicate to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.
He said the suspect was arrested at his duty post, while a search led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrel gun and two live cartridges.
“The suspect is undergoing further investigation.” He added.
He also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to assist the police in combating crime and improving public safety.
