The Delta State Police Command says its operatives have arrested a commercial motorcyclist suspected of abducting a three-year-old girl in the Ughelli area of the state, among other operational successes.
The command’s public relations officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed in a statement on Thursday.
According to Edafe, the suspect, identified as Kelvin Ogaga, allegedly abducted the child after being entrusted with her daily school runs before demanding a ransom of N500,000 from the family.
He stated, “The arrest followed a complaint received on May 18, 2026, from the father of the victim, who reported that the suspect had abducted his three-year-old daughter, a commercial motorcyclist who was entrusted with taking the child on daily school runs.
“It was gathered that the suspect allegedly kidnapped the child and subsequently demanded a ransom of N500,000 from the family. After negotiations, the family paid the demanded ransom to secure the release of the child.”
Edafe noted that operatives acted on credible technical intelligence and stormed the suspect’s hideout in Ughelli, where he was arrested.
He added that the sum of N127,000, believed to be part of the ransom money, alongside other valuables allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime and the motorcycle used in the operation, was recovered from the suspect.
“Recovered from him were the sum of N127,000, believed to be part of the ransom money, other valuables allegedly purchased with proceeds of the crime, and the motorcycle used in committing the offence.
“The suspect is in custody and investigation is ongoing,” the statement added.
In another operation, he noted that operatives recovered a Beretta pistol during a stop-and-search patrol along the Power Line axis by Bonsaac.
The command explained that the operatives sighted a suspicious man carrying a black bag who fled immediately after noticing the patrol team.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspect took to his heels. The patrol team immediately gave chase, but the suspect escaped and abandoned the bag while fleeing.
“A search conducted on the bag led to the recovery of one Beretta pistol and one iPhone. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect and unravel the circumstances surrounding the recovery,” the statement noted.
Similarly, operatives attached to the Ozoro Division arrested a suspected cultist identified as Michael Monday during a patrol operation along Omovutotu Street, Ozoro.
The police disclosed that the suspect attempted to flee upon sighting the patrol team, prompting officers to search a black handbag in his possession.
“A search conducted on the black handbag in his possession led to the recovery of one locally made cut-to-size single-barrelled gun and one cartridge.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly belongs to the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, also known as ‘Aro Bagger’. The suspect is currently in custody, and the investigation is ongoing,” the statement added.
He noted that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their swift response and reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety of residents across the state.
He also emphasised the importance of stop-and-search operations as part of proactive policing strategies aimed at curbing crime and recovering illegal firearms.
PUNCH Metro reported on Thursday that a man and his wife were arrested by operatives of the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly stealing three children in the Mowe area of the state.
The suspects were said to have stolen the children under the guise of visiting the parents before absconding with the children.
