Police arrest kidnap suspects, cultists in Delta

The Nigeria Police and hunters have arrested three suspected kidnappers and armed robbers along the Asaba-Benin Expressway by the Dustbin Mango tree area of Delta State.

The suspects include, Oghenemaro Martins, 25 years, Tarebi Miracle Ogbada, 22 years, and Okorie James Kalu, 19 years.

They were arrested during an exchange of gunfire on 23rd November, 2025, at about 0630hr.

The Police also recovered from the suspects,one (1) English-made Beretta pistol, One (1) locally made pistol, Four (4) live 9mm Beretta ammunition,one (1)HP laptop,one (1) iPhone S,one (1) Tecno phone,one (1) Samsung phone,one (1) PS5 game console, Two (2) necklaces and one (1) laptop charger.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe confirmed the report in a statement sent to our correspondent in Warri.

The Police Image maker said, “On 23rd November, 2025, at about 0630hrs, acting on a distress call regarding a robbery incident along the Asaba–Benin Expressway by Dustbin/Mango Tree area, the Commander, Eagle Net Special Squad, SP Danyaya Inusa, swiftly mobilised surveillance teams of the squad in a coordinated operation with operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, led by DSP Abu Joshua, to the reported scene.”

According to him,”Upon arrival, the criminal gang ambushed the operatives with sporadic gunfire.

“The team, undeterred, responded with controlled precision, overpowering the assailants and forcing them into a disorganised retreat.

“A fierce chase ensued, which led to the arrest of the following suspects: Oghenemaro Martins, 25 years, Tarebi Miracle Ogbada, 22 years, and Okorie James Kalu, 19 years.

“During the chase, the fleeing suspects abandoned a black bag, which operatives recovered.

“The contents of the bag directly linked the suspects to the robbery scene and their wider criminal operations.

“Recovered items include: One (1) English-made Beretta pistol, One (1) locally made pistol, Four (4) live 9mm Beretta ammunition, One (1) HP laptop, One (1) iPhone S, One (1) Tecno phone, One (1) Samsung phone, One (1) PS5 game console, Two (2) necklaces, One (1) laptop charger.

“The presence of the firearms and ammunition confirms the gang’s readiness for armed confrontation, while the assorted electronics, jewellery, and PS5 console matched descriptions earlier provided by multiple victims robbed at gunpoint around the Okpanam–Asaba axis.

“Subsequently, the chain of identification has established a direct nexus between the recovered items, the arrested suspects, and the series of armed robberies under investigation.”

SP Edafe noted that the suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.