Delta State Police Arrest Member of Notorious Interstate Kidnap Gang: Weapons Recovered in Ozoro Forest
Warri, Nigeria – In a major victory against organized crime in Nigeria, the Delta State Police Command has successfully apprehended a key member of an interstate kidnap gang that has been terrorizing residents across multiple states in the South-South and South-East regions of the country. The arrest, which took place on May 20, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing crackdown on criminal networks operating along major transport corridors.
The breakthrough was announced on Monday, May 26, by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Delta State Police Command, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, during a press briefing held in Warri. According to SP Edafe, the suspect, a 30-year-old male, was apprehended by operatives from the Commissioner of Police (CP) Special Assignment Team after weeks of intelligence gathering and covert operations.
"The 30-year-old suspect was arrested on May 20 by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team," SP Bright Edafe told newsmen.
Who Is the Suspect and What Is His Role?
The arrested suspect is believed to be a core member of a notorious kidnapping syndicate that has wreaked havoc across four Nigerian states: Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu. This gang is responsible for several high-profile abductions, particularly along the ever-busy Ughelli-Ozoro expressway, a hotspot for criminal activity due to its remote forested surroundings and limited security infrastructure.
SP Edafe disclosed that the suspect resides in the Woji area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Despite living far from the scenes of many kidnappings, the suspect allegedly played a central coordination role, directing operations and giving logistical support to field operatives who carried out kidnappings on the ground.
“The hoodlum, who resides in the Woji area of Port Harcourt, coordinates the syndicate operating on the Ughelli-Ozoro axis,” Edafe stated.
How the Police Tracked and Captured the Suspect
The arrest did not happen by chance. According to police sources, the operation was the result of weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and coordination between security operatives in multiple states. With the spate of kidnappings reported along the Ughelli-Ozoro route, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State ordered the deployment of a special tactical team to hunt down the gang’s leadership.
Once the suspect’s identity and location in Port Harcourt were confirmed, the CP Special Assignment Team moved in swiftly and quietly. The arrest was made without any gunfire, a testament to the skill and professionalism of the officers involved.
After his arrest, the suspect reportedly confessed to being a member of the kidnapping gang and agreed to cooperate with the police during interrogation. His cooperation led to a significant breakthrough in the investigation.
Weapons Cache Discovered in Ozoro Forest
Following the interrogation, the suspect took police operatives to a remote forest in Ozoro, located in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State. In the forest, the team recovered an assortment of weapons believed to have been used by the gang during their various operations.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect led the team to a forest in Ozoro where assorted weapons belonging to the gang were recovered,” Edafe added.
Though specific details about the types of weapons found have not yet been disclosed to the media, police sources suggest that they included AK-47 rifles, pump-action shotguns, and large quantities of ammunition, all carefully hidden in underground compartments within the forest.
This cache of weapons indicates that the gang was well-armed and organized, capable of launching violent and coordinated attacks against their victims. The discovery also underscores the need for constant patrol and monitoring of rural areas that criminal gangs may use as hideouts.
Growing Kidnap Crisis in Southern Nigeria
The arrest comes amid increasing concern over the rise in kidnap-for-ransom cases across Southern Nigeria. Residents and travelers, especially those along highways connecting Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States, have raised alarms about the rampant activities of criminal gangs, many of whom operate with military-style precision and brutality.
The Ughelli-Ozoro axis in particular has become a danger zone for motorists, with reports of cars being ambushed, passengers kidnapped, and ransom demands running into millions of naira. The Delta State Police Command has repeatedly warned travelers to avoid late-night travel on this route and has intensified patrols in the area.
By capturing a key gang coordinator, police hope to dismantle the syndicate and make the roads safer again.
Community Reactions and Call for More Action
Local community leaders in Ozoro and surrounding towns have expressed relief over the arrest, calling it a “timely intervention” and urging the police to go after other members of the gang still at large.
Chief Oghenevwegba Itepu, a community elder in Ozoro, stated:
“We are happy that this young man was caught. These kidnappers have been tormenting our people for too long. We hope this will bring peace, but the police must not stop here.”
Many residents also called on the government to deploy more surveillance technologies, such as drones and CCTV cameras, especially in high-risk areas like the Ughelli-Ozoro road and forest belts around the Niger Delta.
Delta State Police Command’s Renewed Commitment
SP Bright Edafe emphasized that the Delta State Police Command remains committed to eradicating criminal elements from the state and restoring public confidence in the security forces.
“This arrest shows that we are not sleeping. We are working round the clock to ensure that criminals have no hiding place in Delta State,” he said.
He also advised criminals still operating within the state to surrender or face the full wrath of the law. He encouraged members of the public to volunteer useful information, assuring them of confidentiality and protection.
What’s Next for the Investigation?
The police are now working on tracing the networks connected to the arrested suspect, especially those based in Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States. Joint operations with neighboring police commands are expected to follow in the coming weeks, aiming to dismantle the entire kidnapping ring.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be charged to court upon the completion of investigations. Legal experts say he could face multiple charges, including kidnapping, conspiracy, illegal possession of firearms, and terrorism-related offenses under Nigerian law.
Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction
The arrest of a key member of the interstate kidnap gang by the Delta State Police is a major success in Nigeria’s fight against violent crime. While the road ahead remains long and fraught with challenges, this operation shows what is possible when security agencies are proactive, well-coordinated, and committed to justice.
For residents of Delta, Rivers, Imo, and Enugu States who have lived in fear, this arrest offers a glimmer of hope. The Nigerian Police Force must now build on this momentum and ensure that other criminals involved in similar crimes are swiftly brought to justice.
