(DDM) – The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal arms trafficking across Bomadi, Asaba, and Ubeji communities.
DDM gathered that intelligence-driven operations led by the Bomadi and Ekpan Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of a significant cache of weapons.
In a high-profile interception along Bomadi–Tuomo Road, police stopped a motorcycle carrying a 62-year-old woman and a concealed sack containing 178 live cartridges.
Investigations revealed that the ammunition was reportedly purchased from Onitsha Main Market, raising concerns about the flow of illegal arms across state borders.
In a separate raid at Ubeji Community near the Ubeji Gas Plant, officers arrested seven suspects linked to kidnapping and illegal arms activities.
During the Ubeji operation, three abducted victims held in a poultry house at a dredging site were rescued unharmed.
Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, praised the coordinated efforts of the officers and lauded the intelligence teams for their diligence in dismantling criminal networks.
CP Olufemi urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies, emphasizing that community cooperation is key to curbing crime.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that Delta State becomes inhospitable to kidnappers and armed robbers.
Background
Delta State has in recent years witnessed a surge in kidnapping and armed robbery incidents, particularly along riverine communities such as Bomadi.
Criminal gangs often exploit the porous waterways and under-policed areas to traffic arms and kidnap unsuspecting residents for ransom.
Previous operations have achieved mixed results, with some criminal networks resuming activity after brief police crackdowns.
The coordinated intelligence-driven approach adopted in this operation represents a shift from reactive policing to proactive law enforcement.
Security experts note that the recovery of large caches of ammunition from individuals as young as 62 years old highlights the deep entrenchment of illegal arms circulation in the region.
Implications
The arrest of suspected kidnappers and arms traffickers is expected to disrupt criminal networks operating across Bomadi, Asaba, and Ubeji.
The operations send a strong message to criminals that the Delta State Police Command is intensifying its efforts to make the state safe for residents and businesses alike.
However, analysts warn that sustained intelligence gathering, community involvement, and strict prosecution are essential to prevent a resurgence of criminal activities.
Local residents have expressed relief at the rescue of abducted victims and the successful interception of dangerous weapons.
The operations also underscore the importance of cross-community collaboration between police divisions in tackling organized crime.
Looking Forward
Authorities will continue monitoring high-risk areas while expanding intelligence-driven operations to target other suspected criminal hotspots across the state.
Residents and civil society groups are expected to play an increasing role in reporting suspicious movements and supporting law enforcement initiatives.
The success of this crackdown could set a precedent for similar intelligence-led operations across the Niger Delta, aiming to reduce kidnapping and illegal arms proliferation in the region.