The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested two suspects in separate operations across the state.
The command also recovered three locally made guns, 13 live cartridges and other exhibits.
The command said one of the suspects was allegedly involved in a plot to kidnap a pastor and a retired school principal in the Ughelli area of the state.
Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Wednesday that operatives of the Ebrumede Division arrested a 28-year-old suspect, Benjamin Haruna, during a stop-and-search operation along Garki-Uti Road, Effurun, on August 4.
He said two other suspects, identified simply as Omelo and Alabanco, escaped on a motorcycle.
Edafe said a search of a bag in the suspects’ possession led to the recovery of two locally made double-barrelled guns, 11 live cartridges, one expended cartridge, an axe, two Android phones, two power banks, two wristwatches, a lighter and a military camouflage polo.
The spokesman said a preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were conveying the exhibits to their hideout along Sapele Road.
He added that Haruna remained in custody while efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
He added that in a separate operation, operatives of ‘A’ Division, Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence on July 31, 2026, foiled a planned kidnapping and arrested 26-year-old Jeremiah Kwane.
Edafe asserted that Kwane attempted to recruit another person into a kidnapping syndicate to abduct a pastor and a retired school principal in Ughelli.
He said the suspect was arrested at his duty post, noting that a search led to the recovery of a locally made single-barrelled gun and two live cartridges.
He said the suspect was undergoing further investigation.
Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.
Oyeniyi urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to the police to enhance security across Delta State.