Two kidnap suspects arrested in Delta

Nemesis has caught up with two suspected kidnappers in Ughelli, Delta State, as they were arrested in connection with a failed kidnap attempt that occurred last weekend, June 19, 2026.

Operatives of ‘A’ Division Ughelli, in collaboration with members of the local vigilante group, apprehended the duo identified as Iliyasu Hassan, 16, and Idris Abdulkarim, 32, on Monday at about 8.30 p.m. after they emerged from a nearby forest to purchase food and medication.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, on Thursday said that following their arrest, a victim of an earlier kidnapping incident positively identified the suspects as among his attackers.

Edafe said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the criminal gang and recover weapons used in their operations.

Also, two suspects linked to an attempted robbery were on Tuesday arrested within Ugborikoko Division in Uvwie Local Government Area.

The statement added: “Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects unlawfully gained access to a residential compound but fled after noticing the presence of occupants.

“The swift response and vigilance of community members led to the apprehension of the suspect and an accomplice, who were subsequently handed over to the Police.

“Acting on intelligence obtained during preliminary investigation, operatives of the Ugborikoko Division searched the suspects’ residence, and it resulted in the recovery of one locally made pistol concealed inside a wardrobe.”

According to him, the suspects are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to determine their involvement in other criminal activities.

Reacting to the arrests, the state Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the vigilance of members of the public and the collaboration between community stakeholders and security agencies.

He urged residents to continue to provide timely and credible information to the police, assuring them of the command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property throughout Delta State.