The Delta State Police Command has successfully foiled a suspected kidnapping plot and recovered a cache of firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, during a swift operation at Delta State Polytechnic Oghara.
This breakthrough according to Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Edafe Bright, said that the fight against crime occurred on August 13, 2024, when the command acted on credible intelligence regarding a planned abduction at the school's graduation ceremony.
He added that the State Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, in a bid to curb the rising menace of kidnapping and other criminal activities, had earlier directed divisional police officers (DPOs) to embrace community-based policing and maintain high visibility patrols. Acting on this directive, DPO Oghara Division, CSP Olasunkanmi Musiliu, led operatives to a hideout along the Otefe/Ovade Legit Road, where the suspected kidnappers were reportedly preparing to strike.
He said: “Upon spotting the approaching officers, the suspects engaged the police in a gunfight before fleeing into the bush with various degrees of gunshot wounds. The police recovered an AK-47 rifle, a magazine, an English pump-action shotgun, and a locally made cut-to-size gun from the scene. A manhunt for the fleeing suspects is currently underway.”
In another success, the Delta State Police arrested two suspected cultists the following day, August 14, 2024.
The suspects, identified as Ovoke Benedict, 22, and Fredrick Urhoborume, 23, both students of Delta State Polytechnic Oghara, were intercepted by an anti-crime patrol team while riding a motorcycle along the Otefe Ijomi Community Road.
During a routine search, officers recovered a locally made cut-to-size gun and six live cartridges from the suspects.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the two men are believed to be members of the Arrow Barger Confraternity. The police are continuing their investigation into the suspects' involvement in cult-related activities.
Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda commended the swift actions of the Oghara Division and reiterated his commitment to tackling crime across the state. He called on the public to remain vigilant and encouraged residents to provide the police with credible and timely information to aid in the fight against crime.
Residents are urged to report any suspicious activities to their nearest police station or contact the Delta State Police Command via the designated control room numbers.
