By Ochuko Akuopha

DELTA State Police command, Thursday, said it has rescued two kidnapped victims at their abductor’s hideout in a forest at Umunede community, Ika North East local Government Area of the State.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abaniwonda Olufemi who disclosed this at a press briefing at the State Command headquarters, Asaba, said the two persons were abducted along Asaba-Benin Expressway.

He said: “On 31/08/2024, at about 0250hours, acting on credible information relating to a kidnapping incident of two persons kidnapped on 30th August 2024 along Asaba-Benin Expressway, I directed the Special Anti-Kidnapping and cybercrime squad to ensure that the victims are rescued and the suspects arrested.

“The Commander anti-kidnaping squad led policemen in a sting operation to Umunede forest area where the victims were being held hostage.

“The suspected kidnappers on noticing that the Police were closing in on them abandoned the victims and escaped.

“They were rescued and have been reunited with their families. One Dane gun and ten rounds of live cartridges were recovered. Effort to arrest the fleeing suspects in ongoing.”

In another development, police operatives attached to B division, Asaba, recovered three locally made cut-to-size guns, one pump action gun, and three live cartridges.

Olufemi said: “On 4/9/2024, Police undercover surveillance team attached to ‘B’ division Asaba while on undercover patrol duties along Okwe road, Oko Market Asaba, they sighted a Toyota Avalon with Reg. number JJT 253 AJ.

“On sighting the Police, the suspects abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels. Upon search of the vehicle, three locally made cut-to-size guns, one pump action gun, and three live cartridges were recovered. Investigation is ongoing.”