Delta: Police arrest 85 suspects for kidnapping, others in three months

Delta State Police Command says it arrested at least 85 suspects for various crimes, including kidnapping, murder, cultism and drug-related offences, in the second quarter of 2026.

The State Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, disclosed this during a press conference in Asaba on Monday, stating that the command also rescued 18 kidnapped victims and recovered 32 firearms within the period under review.

According to Oyeniyi, four suspected kidnappers were arrested, while 18 kidnapped victims were rescued through sustained security operations across the state.

ALSO READ: 2027: Court fixes date to hear suit against Donald Duke’s PRP candidacy

He said five suspects were arrested for murder, while 76 suspected cultists were apprehended. Of the cultism suspects, 46 have been charged to court, while 30 remain under investigation.

The commissioner added that seven suspects were arrested for drug-related offences, with five already facing trial.

Highlighting the command’s operational successes, Oyeniyi said police recovered 32 firearms, including three AK-47 rifles, four pump-action guns, two Beretta pistols, two locally made revolver pistols, and 17 locally made single-barrel guns. A total of 219 rounds of ammunition were also recovered.

He further disclosed that various illicit drugs were seized during the operations, including Tramadol, CSC Codeine, Rohypnol, Swinol, MDMA (Molly), Canadian Loud, Indian hemp (cannabis), Monkey Tail, Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas), Tianeptine (Zaza), and psychoactive chewing gum, popularly known as “Highness Gum.”

Oyeniyi attributed the achievements to the strategic deployment of personnel and operational assets, sustained raids on criminal hideouts, enhanced stop-and-search operations, and improved intelligence gathering.

He assured residents that the Delta State Police Command remains committed to making the state unsafe for criminals while ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens.

“We encourage members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to the police, as security remains a collective responsibility,” the commissioner said.