Delta State Police operatives have foiled a planned kidnapping targeting a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli, arresting a 26-year-old suspect identified only as Jeremiah during an intelligence-led operation.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said officers from ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acted on credible intelligence indicating the suspect had attempted to recruit an individual into a kidnapping syndicate with the specific aim of abducting the two victims. The operation led to the suspect’s arrest at his duty post in Ughelli.
A search conducted during the arrest yielded one single-barrel gun and two live cartridges. The suspect is currently undergoing further investigation, according to the police spokesperson.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the officers for the successful operation. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the relentless pursuit of violent criminals across the state. The commissioner also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support ongoing efforts to keep Delta State safe.
The foiled plot highlights the effectiveness of community-driven intelligence in disrupting criminal networks before they can execute violent attacks. Police authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the suspect’s background or possible connections to other criminal activities, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the syndicate’s operations.
Residents in Ughelli and surrounding communities have been advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police division or through designated emergency channels. The command maintains that sustained collaboration between law enforcement and the public remains critical to maintaining security in the region.
