The Delta State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim and arrested two suspected drug barons with a large quantity of illicit substances in separate operations carried out across the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the gallantry of the officers involved and cautioned youths against the dangers of drug abuse, warning that it is detrimental to both health and well-being.
According to the statement, on October 12, 2025, at about 2:00 a.m., armed men broke into the residence of a man (name withheld) at Ovian Aladja, attacked and kidnapped his wife. Upon receiving a distress call at about 2:00 p.m., the Divisional Police Officer, Ovian Aladja Division, CSP Friday Ekundayo, immediately mobilised and led operatives in pursuit of the kidnappers.
Their trail led to a forest along Iyara community, where, after sustained pressure, the kidnappers abandoned the victim and fled. The woman was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with her family, while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Crack Squad, Delta State Command, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a suspected drug hideout at Effurun GRA around 5:00 a.m. the same day and arrested two suspects — Igwe Samson (33) and Abalum Sunday (39).
Upon searching their Sienna vehicle, police recovered:
- 450 bottles of CSP Codeine,
- 188 bottles of Bargadine,
- 208 sachets of Tramadol 100mg,
- 300 sachets of Swinol,
- 100 sachets of Tramadol 500mg,
- 50 sachets of Rophynol, and
- A large bag of weed suspected to be cannabis.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects had been in the illegal drug trade for about two years and often sourced their supplies from Onitsha, preferring to transport them at night to evade arrest. The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend their suppliers and distributors.
While commending the officers for their swift and professional response, CP Abaniwonda urged youths to shun crime and drug abuse, describing drug addiction as a major driver of criminal behavior.
“Drug abuse is not only unlawful but also detrimental to the health and well-being of our youths. It ruins lives and fuels crime. I urge young people to stay away from it and channel their energy into productive ventures,” the CP stated.
