By Christopher Oji
The Delta State Police Command has arrested one of the most wanted suspected kidnappers in the state .
The police in continuous crackdown on kidnappers have also recovered two AK-47 Riffles, 32 rounds of live ammunition , one locally fabricated revolver Pump Action Gun(PAG)and another 15 rounds of live cartridges.
In a statement by Delta state Police Public Relations officer (PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, he said , in a decisive move that reaffirms its zero tolerance stance against violent crime, the command has recorded two separate, but significant breakthroughs, resulting in the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of dangerous firearms.
“The operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) have once again, struck a major blow to a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate terrorising Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu states.
“ Acting on credible intelligence and building on the momentum of an earlier breakthrough, the operatives arrested another suspected kidnapper. This latest arrest is directly linked to an earlier operation where three of the suspects’ accomplices were apprehended and dangerous weapons recovered.”
He said on May 20, operatives of CP-SAT, lead by ASP Julius Robinson,effected the arrest of one Abubakar Hassan, 30, of Niger state, but resident at Woji, Port Harcourt, River state. Upon interrogation, the suspect, who heads the syndicate operating along the Ughelli-Ozoro axis, led the team to a forest along the Ozoro axis, where two AK47 Riffles and 32 rounds of live ammunition and four AK47 Rifle magazines were recovered. The trail of other gang members has been intensified for possible arrest and recovery of more arms.”
“In another development, on May 20, officers attached to the Safer Highway Patrol, while on routine stop-and-search duty along Ughelli road, intercepted a vehicle. Upon conducting a thorough search, one locally fabricated revolver PAG , and 15 rounds of live cartridges were recovered. The suspect, Obi Ezekiel, 38 of Kogi state, was arrested. Investigation is ongoing.
“ Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, stated that these recent achievements are a testament to the professionalism, vigilance, and dedication of the command. He added that these sorts of operations will continue relentlessly until all members of the criminal syndicates are apprehended and brought to justice.
“The CP further assured members of the public that their safety remains a top priority, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with the police by providing credible and timely information. He emphasized that public support is crucial to the success of law enforcement activities.
The CP also issued a stern warning to criminal elements, saying that the Command is actively monitoring and tracking all threats and that there will be no hiding place for those involved in criminal activities within the state.”