The police command in Delta has confirmed the arrest of five suspected kidnappers and the rescue of abducted victims following the bust of a criminal hideout along Warri–Sapele Road in Adeje Community.

This was disclosed on Friday by the command’s spokesman, Bright Edafe, who added that fabricated Beretta pistols, three rounds of live ammunition, and locally made guns were recovered during the raid.

“The Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation of a kidnapping incident that occurred on 1 February 2026 at about 2000hrs, along the Warri–Sapele Road by Adeje Community, culminating in the rescue of victims, arrest of key members of a notorious syndicate, and recovery of firearms.

“The incident was reported on 4 February 2026 at about 1700hrs, following the abduction of a group of travellers who were ambushed by armed hoodlums,” Mr Edafe said, adding that the criminals armed with guns and other weapons forcefully took the victims into the bush.

“Two of the victims managed to escape and promptly raised an alarm, triggering a coordinated response involving the Police, the Nigerian Army, and local vigilantes. Sustained pressure from the joint security team forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining victims, who were subsequently rescued unhurt.

“Acting swiftly on credible intelligence, operatives of Orerokpe Division arrested one Dafiaga Timothy (male) on the same day, 4 February 2026, while attempting to withdraw money using one of the victim’s ATM cards at a POS point in Adeje Community,” he added.

However, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Orerokpe Division, was directed to transfer the case to the CP-Special Assignment Team for further investigation.