By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Delta State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating along the Warri–Sapele axis, rescuing abducted victims, arresting five suspects, and recovering firearms during a series of coordinated operations.
The incident, which occurred on February 1, 2026, along the Warri–Sapele Road near Adeje Community, involved a group of travellers who were ambushed and taken into the bush by armed hoodlums. The case was officially reported on February 4 after two of the victims escaped and raised the alarm.
Their escape prompted a coordinated security response involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes. According to the Command, sustained pressure from the joint operation forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were later rescued unhurt.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested a suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, on February 4 while attempting to withdraw money from one of the victim’s bank accounts using a stolen ATM card at a POS point in Adeje Community. The case was subsequently transferred to the CP-Special Assignment Team for further investigation.
Police investigations led to additional arrests on March 31, when Samuel Omonigho, 31, was apprehended in Kokori Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Henry Christmas, 22, was arrested in Adeje Community, Okpe Local Government Area.
Further operations on April 5 resulted in the arrest of two more suspects: Ovo Wilson Junior, also known as “Sheboy,” 24, in Mereje Community, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel, 36, in Ughwagba Community. Police identified Abel as a tricycle rider who allegedly transported members of the gang to and from their operational locations.
In a follow-up operation on April 13, operatives raided a hideout at Oka Junction in Agbarho, where they recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition and a locally made gun with seven live cartridges.
The police said the syndicate has been linked to a series of kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and surrounding areas.
Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the collaboration between security agencies and the vigilance of residents, noting that their combined efforts were instrumental in the success of the operation.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Delta State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating along the Warri–Sapele axis, rescuing abducted victims, arresting five suspects, and recovering firearms during a series of coordinated operations.
The incident, which occurred on February 1, 2026, along the Warri–Sapele Road near Adeje Community, involved a group of travellers who were ambushed and taken into the bush by armed hoodlums. The case was officially reported on February 4 after two of the victims escaped and raised the alarm.
Their escape prompted a coordinated security response involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes. According to the Command, sustained pressure from the joint operation forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were later rescued unhurt.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Orerokpe Division arrested a suspect, Dafiaga Timothy, on February 4 while attempting to withdraw money from one of the victim’s bank accounts using a stolen ATM card at a POS point in Adeje Community. The case was subsequently transferred to the CP-Special Assignment Team for further investigation.
Police investigations led to additional arrests on March 31, when Samuel Omonigho, 31, was apprehended in Kokori Community, Ethiope East Local Government Area, and Henry Christmas, 22, was arrested in Adeje Community, Okpe Local Government Area.
Further operations on April 5 resulted in the arrest of two more suspects: Ovo Wilson Junior, also known as “Sheboy,” 24, in Mereje Community, and Emakpo Ubiaro Abel, 36, in Ughwagba Community. Police identified Abel as a tricycle rider who allegedly transported members of the gang to and from their operational locations.
In a follow-up operation on April 13, operatives raided a hideout at Oka Junction in Agbarho, where they recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol loaded with three rounds of live ammunition and a locally made gun with seven live cartridges.
The police said the syndicate has been linked to a series of kidnapping and armed robbery incidents across Warri, Sapele, Agbarho, Ughelli, and surrounding areas.
Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the collaboration between security agencies and the vigilance of residents, noting that their combined efforts were instrumental in the success of the operation.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
