Police Smash Kidnap Gang, Rescue Victims in Delta, Neutralize Bandits in Benue

Abeokuta,Ogun State.- In a series of decisive operations, the Nigeria Police Force has recorded significant victories against violent crime, rescuing two kidnap victims in Delta State, arresting nine suspected kidnappers, neutralizing three bandits in Benue State, and recovering a substantial cache of arms.

Benue State Police Command, acting on credible intelligence on May 3, 2025, engaged a group of bandits believed to be linked to the Shitele and Ukum areas. The bandits were reportedly holding secret meetings in Sankera, allegedly planning attacks on security operatives. A fierce gun battle ensued near the Tse-Gondo axis, resulting in fatal gunshot injuries to three bandits who were later confirmed dead at a hospital. Police operatives recovered two locally fabricated guns and several live cartridges from the scene.

In Delta State, the Command’s CP Special Assignment team apprehended Henry Okpor on April 22, 2025. Okpor is identified as a serial car snatcher, and authorities recovered a pump-action gun, a Toyota Highlander with registration number RBC-414-BL, and a Hyundai car with registration number LSD-367-DU, all believed to be stolen.

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Further demonstrating their commitment to curbing cultism, the Delta State CP Special Assignment team conducted a sting operation on April 25, 2025, leading to the arrest of Mudiaga Okparume and Arinze Humble, confirmed members of the Vikings confraternity. Two Beretta pistols and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered during the operation.

In a swift response to a kidnapping incident reported on April 26, 2025, in Agbarho, Delta State, where two individuals were abducted, police operatives immediately mobilized and tracked the suspects to Uvwiama forest in the Ughelli North Local Government Area.

An intense operation resulted in the successful rescue of the two kidnap victims. Nine suspects were apprehended, and a significant cache of weapons was recovered, including three pump-action guns, three double/single-barrel guns, one locally made gun, and thirteen rounds of live cartridges.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., has lauded the bravery and dedication of the police operatives involved in these successful operations. He reassured the public of the Force’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and residents across the nation, emphasizing that no effort would be spared in the fight against violent crimes.

All arrested suspects will face prosecution upon the conclusion of ongoing investigations.

ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, mnipr, mipra, fCAI
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja.
May 4, 2025.