Police report arrests and rescues in separate Delta and Edo operations

Police commands in Delta and Edo states have reported a series of arrests, a hostage rescue and the recovery of a six-month-old baby in separate operations targeting kidnapping, cultism and other violent crimes. In Delta, police rescued a 25-year-old woman who was allegedly assaulted and held hostage at Usiefrun Community, Premium Times and Punch Nigeria reported. The operation was conducted on Saturday by officers of the Otu-Jeremi Division after intelligence was shared by the Ovwian-Aladja Division.

A 29-year-old man, identified by the police as Brotugbare Onome, was arrested in connection with the incident. Officers who searched the premises allegedly recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol, a magazine and two rounds of live ammunition. The reports said the investigation was continuing.

Delta police also arrested Endurance Akpade, 37, and Edwin Morgan, 43, over an alleged plan to kidnap a woman in Abraka. According to the police statement cited by both Nigerian publishers, the two suspects remained in custody and were assisting investigators. In a separate Delta case, the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested Ezekiel Izomor and Emmanuel Ogaganefe, both 23, over the alleged killing of a 25-year-old man identified as Godfrey at Jesse Main Market in Ethiope West Local Government Area on March 24.

The arrests followed intelligence from a video that police said showed suspected cultists celebrating the killing; Premium Times noted it had not seen the video. Police alleged that a suspect named Collins wanted to become leader of the Aro Bagger confraternity and believed killing a rival would help him achieve that goal. The police said Collins and another suspect, Richman, remained at large.

A battle axe, four cutlasses and a hammer were reportedly recovered in the operation. Channels Television separately reported police activity in Edo. Officers arrested seven suspected cult members in Otuo, while the Gender and Family Unit recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State.

The child was reunited with the family, according to the Edo command. Edo police also said they arrested suspects linked to the alleged stripping of a young girl in Ekiadolor and circulating the material online. A 37-year-old man was held over the alleged rape of a 70-year-old woman in Igueben.

The cases remained under investigation. Delta Commissioner Samuel Erale and Edo authorities urged residents to provide credible information and warned youths against cultism. The reports describe separate state operations rather than a single coordinated action.