The Delta State Police Command says it has recorded fresh operational breakthroughs in its sustained crackdown on cultism, kidnapping, and violent crimes, with the rescue of a kidnapped three-year-old girl, the arrest of a suspected cultist, and the recovery of firearms in separate operations across the state.
The command disclosed that operatives attached to the Command Anti-Vice Squad (CAVS), Sector 2, Ughelli, rescued the abducted child and arrested a suspect identified as Kelvin Ogaga in connection with the crime.
Police said the arrest followed a complaint lodged on May 18, 2026, by the child’s father, who reported that his three-year-old daughter had allegedly been abducted by a commercial motorcyclist responsible for taking the child to school daily.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly exploited the family’s trust, kidnapped the child, and later demanded a ransom of ₦500,000 for her release.
The family was said to have paid the ransom after negotiations to secure the child’s freedom.
Acting on what authorities described as credible technical intelligence, operatives stormed the suspect’s hideout in Ughelli, leading to his arrest and the rescue of the child.
Recovered during the operation were ₦127,000, believed to be part of the ransom proceeds, valuables allegedly purchased with money linked to the crime, and the motorcycle reportedly used in carrying out the abduction.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue.
In another development, operatives of the Department of Operations’ Buffalo Team recovered a Beretta pistol during a stop-and-search operation along the Power Line axis near Bonsaac.
The police said officers on patrol observed a suspicious man carrying a black bag, who fled upon sighting security operatives.
Although the suspect escaped after a chase, he reportedly abandoned the bag, which was later searched by officers.
The search led to the recovery of a Beretta pistol and an iPhone, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspect and determine the circumstances surrounding the recovery.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Ozoro Division arrested a suspect identified as Michael Monday during a township patrol along Omovutotu Street in Ozoro.
Police said the suspect attempted to flee after sighting officers, raising suspicion.
A search conducted on a black handbag in his possession allegedly led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size single-barrelled gun and one cartridge.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, suggest that the suspect may be linked to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, popularly known as “Aro Bagger.”
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue.
Reacting to the operational successes, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended officers for their swift response and professionalism.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to tackling crime and protecting residents, while stressing the importance of stop-and-search operations as part of proactive policing measures that continue to yield results.
The commissioner also urged residents to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious persons, movements, and activities within their communities.
