Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have conducted a successful rescue operation in the dense forests of Orerokpe community, located in Okpe Local Government Area. The heroic mission resulted from a distress call received by the Orerokpe Divisional Police on September 11, 2023, at approximately 0400hrs, reporting the abduction of four individuals (whose identities are being withheld). These victims, residents of the community, were traveling along the Abraka-Eku Expressway when they fell prey to kidnappers who demanded a ransom of N10 million.

Promptly responding to the harrowing situation, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Orerokpe, CSP Paul Oboware, led a courageous team of law enforcement officers. With unwavering determination, they collaborated with Nigerian Army troops and members of the Oreorokpe community vigilantes, embarking on a perilous journey into the thickets guided by tactically derived intelligence.

Their relentless pursuit led to a dramatic showdown with the kidnappers in the dense undergrowth, prompting the criminals to abandon their captives and flee the scene. The daring rescue operation culminated on Tuesday, September 12, when all the kidnapped victims were safely recovered and promptly received medical attention before being discharged.

Delta State Police Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, officially confirmed the successful rescue and the reunion of the victims with their families. He further stated that intensive efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects were ongoing.

In a parallel development, a specialized unit led by the DPO of Orerokpe Division, in collaboration with Aragba vigilantes, conducted an exhaustive stop-and-search operation at the Aragba Junction along Sapele Aghalokpe Road in Okpe Local Government Area. During this operation, they intercepted a man identified as Sunday Yerakpo, who was found in possession of four newly manufactured locally-made cut-to-size guns.

Sunday Yerakpo, a 35-year-old resident of Orhuwhorun in Odu LGA, concealed these illicit firearms under the seat of his red QLINK Motorcycle (Registration No. JRT178VH). Preliminary investigations reveal his involvement in illegal gun running, with ties to an accomplice known as “Ose Ogboyen,” who had dispatched him to deliver these arms to a client known as “Saputu.” Authorities are actively pursuing the arrests of Ose Ogboyen and Saputu.

Further reinforcing the commitment to public safety, on September 9, 2023, operatives from Ogulagha Police post in Burutu LGA, led by the district officer, collaborated with local members of the Nigeria hunters and forest security service to apprehend Prince Diegbegha (25), a native of Ogulagha community. A search of his residence uncovered a Makarov pistol with an empty magazine. During questioning, the suspect disclosed that he had acquired the weapon for N200,000 from an individual named Oshimili, who is now deceased, back in 2018 in Ozoro. The suspect and the recovered firearm are presently in custody while investigations continue.

The Commissioner of Police for Delta State, CP Wale Abass, reassured the state’s residents that the Command remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property. He emphasized that preserving peace in the state is of utmost importance and encouraged the public to provide credible information to aid law enforcement efforts. He assured that the identities of informants would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.