Some suspected kidnappers whose base of operation cuts across Rivers, Enugu, and Imo States, including Delta State, have been arrested by Delta State Police Command.
Following their arrest on 16 May, an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the group of kidnappers.
Recalling the arrest on Tuesday, the spokesperson of the command, Bright Edafe, said the arrest was successful after operatives of the CP – Special Assignment Team traced one of the kidnappers to his residence in Port Harcourt.
Describing them as a notorious interstate kidnap syndicate, he said, “The operatives followed a trail to Port Harcourt, where they arrested a syndicate member named Idirisu Yakubu, a 21-year-old male suspect from Kwara State, but a resident of the Elelenwo area, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Upon interrogation, on May 17, he led operatives to the arrest of their gang leader and coordinator viz: Bello Amodu 40 years of Tangaza LGA, Sokoto state but a resident of Elelenwo area Port Harcourt, Rivers state who is coordinating the various syndicates within the South – South and South-East region.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of Umar Mohammed Beto 38 years of Tsamiya village, Bagudu LGA, Kebbi State, a resident of the Oil Mill Area, Port Harcourt area of Rivers State, who is said to be the one heading Enugu axis.
Furthermore, he added, “Upon further interrogation, they led operatives to a bush along Ughelli–Ozoro Road where one AK-47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of live ammunition and a pump action with seven rounds of live cartridges were recovered.”
According to the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, operatives of the Eagle Net Surveillance Team based in Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended a 53-year-old suspect, Benjamin Benemor, believed to be involved in kidnapping and armed robbery activities.
Read Also: Rivers State Police nabs Crime Syndicate
The team reportedly trailed the suspect to a residence in Warri South Local Government Area where he was arrested.
A search of his premises led to the recovery of a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including: one English Beretta pistol with magazine, one English double-barrel pump-action gun, one English single-barrel gun.
Others include: one locally made single-barrel gun, one locally made short double-barrel gun, a battle axe, and fifteen live cartridges.
Additionally, two male occupants intercepted during a stop-and-search in a Jetta vehicle with registration number ASB18BH along the Asaba–Benin Expressway, Blessing Ngbajime, 49, and Okpako Oghenhovo, 27, were arrested.
While searching the vehicle, a fabricated Beretta pistol concealed on Okpako was recovered.
The suspects are currently undergoing profiling and interrogation as investigations continue.
While assuring the residents of their safety, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Abaniwonda Olufemi, commended the officers for their professionalism, bravery, and swift response.
