The Delta State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against crime with the rescue of a kidnapped woman and the arrest of a suspected drug baron in separate operations across the state.
According to a statement from the command, the rescue operation took place on Saturday, October 12, 2025, after the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ovian Aladja Police Station, CSP Friday Ekundayo, received a distress call around 2:00 a.m. reporting that a group of armed men had invaded a residence, robbed the occupants, and abducted a woman.
Acting swiftly, CSP Ekundayo mobilized his team and trailed the kidnappers into a forest along the Iyara community, adding that after hours of intense pursuit and pressure from the operatives, the kidnappers were forced to abandon their victim and flee the scene.
The woman was rescued unhurt and has since been reunited with her family, the statement stated.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Crack Squad attached to the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a hideout in the Effurun GRA area around 5:00 a.m. the same day, leading to the arrest of two suspected drug dealers, 33-year-old Igwe Samson and 39-year-old Abalum Sunday.
A search of their Sienna vehicle led to the recovery of a large quantity of illicit drugs, including 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 bag of cannabis.
The police also recovered a suspected stolen vehicle at the scene.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects have been in the illegal drug trade for about two years, sourcing their supplies from Onitsha and often travelling at night to evade arrest.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend their suppliers and other accomplices.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the swift and courageous actions of the DPO and his men, describing the successes as evidence of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
He, however, cautioned youths against indulging in criminal activities and drug abuse, warning that substance abuse remains one of the major drivers of violent crime.
“Drug abuse is not only illegal but also destructive to the health and well-being of users,” the CP stated, urging parents and community leaders to support the police in the fight against crime and illicit drugs.
