Delta State Police Command has arrested 20 suspected armed robbers and kidnappers, rescuing five victims and retrieved N1.3million from Ubuluku forest in Ogwashi-Uku. Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwanda, disclosed at the Inspector General of Police [IGP] conference in Abuja.
He said: “This is harvest of arrested kidnappers and armed robbers. The command is waging war against kidnappers and robbers. Operatives Ekpan Police Division invaded a shrine in Ekpan and arrested suspected armed robbers and kidnappers involved in various crimes. They recovered AK47 rifles, one single barrel gun, three cutlasses, two daggers and 44 rounds of 9.62mm live ammunition wrapped in a black sack.
“Also police operatives through intelligence gathering around Jeddo axis in Okpe LG arrested suspected armed robbers and kidnappers in their hideouts and recovered one automatic English pump action gun, two locally made single barrel guns, one locally made single barrel gun , one locally fabricated Beretta pistol, one locally made cut to size gun and live cartridges.
“I received complaints emanating from Ogwashi-Uku incessant kidnappings. Deputy of Commissioner of Police, Operations, Adesola Aina, led the tactical team along with the members of Ubuluku community vigilante, stormed Ubuluku forest where the victims were held hostage.
“Kidnappers engaged with the police in a fierce gun duel. They took to their heels. Five victims who are members of Elyon Paradise Ministry were rescued unhurt. CP Special Assignment commander, Julius Robinson and his team neutralised four kidnappers along the Railway Line in Agbarho. They arrested suspected cultists who are members of Supreme Vikings Confraternity in Agbogidi, Warri South LG.
“The operatives stormed hideouts of kidnappers in Abraka/ Obiaruku Umutu and rescued two victims in Ughelli North. Operatives of Safer Highway Patrol conducted stop and search in a vehicle along Benin/ Agbor Expressway and arrested three suspects in possession of three locally made long guns.
“Police operatives also raided hideouts of the criminals in Agbor, Warri, Sapele and Uselu–ku axis and recovered dangerous weapons. We will not relent.