Suspected Kidnappers Flee, Abandon Soaked Garri, Groundnut and Arms As Delta Police Foil Kidnap Plot

The Delta State Police Command has foiled a planned kidnap operation and recovered firearms and ammunition after suspected kidnappers fled from their hideout, abandoning soaked garri, groundnut and other items.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team acted on credible intelligence to raid a suspected criminal hideout along a bush path in the Upper Agbarho area of the state.

According to the statement, intelligence reports revealed that about six suspected kidnappers were sighted in the area, prompting a coordinated operation at about 9:35 p.m. on January 11, 2026. The operation was led by Julius Robinson in collaboration with community vigilantes.

“Upon sighting the police operatives, the suspects opened fire,” the command said, adding that officers responded “with superior firepower,” forcing the suspects to flee with varying degrees of injury.

The police said the fleeing suspects abandoned weapons and other incriminating items at the scene. Items recovered included a bowl of soaked garri with three spoons, nylons of groundnut, a nylon of garri, sachets of alcoholic drinks, matches and lighters.

Also recovered were “one FNC rifle loaded with one round of live ammunition and one pump-action gun with thirty-two rounds of live cartridges.

All exhibits have been recovered and taken into custody,” the statement noted, adding that a manhunt has been launched to arrest the fleeing suspects.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives for their bravery and effective use of intelligence.

He reiterated that the command “remains resolute in denying criminal elements the space to operate,” warning that Delta State “will continue to be hostile to all forms of criminality.”