The Delta State Police Command has thwarted a planned abduction of a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli, leading to the arrest of a 26 year old suspect allegedly linked to the plot.
The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed on Wednesday that operatives attached to the Ughelli ‘A’ Division acted on credible intelligence received on July 31, 2026, which exposed an alleged plan to kidnap the two intended victims.
According to Edafe, intelligence revealed that the suspect, identified simply as Jeremiah, had allegedly attempted to recruit another individual into a kidnapping syndicate to carry out the operation.
He said the police swiftly responded to the information and arrested the suspect at his place of work in Ughelli before the alleged plot could be executed.
The police spokesperson added that a search conducted during the operation led to the recovery of a single barrel gun and two live cartridges.
Edafe noted that the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue to uncover other members of the suspected criminal network.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence driven policing and sustained efforts to rid the state of violent criminals.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing timely and credible information that would aid crime prevention and enhance public safety across the state.