Police Nab 62-Year-Old Woman With 178 Live Cartridges, Rescue Kidnap Victims In Delta Raids

By PAULINA NZERUBE

THE Delta State Police Command has arrested a 62-year-old woman, identified as Charter Timide, after she was allegedly caught conveying a sack containing 178 live cartridges hidden for delivery.

The arrest was part of a series of coordinated operations that also led to the apprehension of suspected kidnappers and the rescue of three abducted victims across various communities in the state.

In a statement released at the weekend, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, said the operations—carried out in Bomadi, Asaba, and Ubeji—underscore the Command’s renewed drive to tackle kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal arms trafficking in Delta State.

Arrest of 62-Year-Old Woman With Ammunition

According to the statement, on October 30, 2025, at about 12:30 p.m., operatives from the Bomadi Division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Adie Peter Bissong, in collaboration with the Bomadi Vigilante, intercepted a motorcycle along the Bomadi–Tuomo Road.

The motorcycle rider was conveying the 62-year-old suspect, who was found with a concealed sack containing 178 live cartridges, neatly arranged and ready for delivery.

During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to purchasing the ammunition from the Onitsha Main Market.

Police have since transferred both the suspect and the recovered exhibits to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Asaba, for further investigation into possible links with criminal gangs or illegal arms suppliers.

Kidnap Gang Busted in Ubeji, Victims Rescued

In a separate incident earlier that same day, at about 11:40 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer of Ekpan Division, CSP Labe Joseph, received a distress call about a kidnapping incident in Ubeji Community, near the Ubeji Gas Plant.

A team of detectives and patrol operatives immediately swung into action and stormed the area. On sighting the police, the suspects fled into an abandoned poultry house, but officers quickly cordoned off the premises and arrested seven suspects, identified as:

• Felix Omone (33)

• Solomon Omone (29)

• Tony Eboye (34)

• Omone David (32)

• Jerry Omone (33)

• Godspower Omone (25)

• Edewho Bomele (33)

The operation also led to the rescue of three kidnapped victims from Jeddo Community, who had been abducted from a dredging site and ferried across a river by their captors.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the kidnappers had already initiated ransom negotiations and issued threats to the victims’ families. The rescued individuals have since been reunited with their loved ones.

Police Vow Continued Crackdown on Criminal Networks

Commending the officers for their swift and coordinated actions, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, reiterated the Command’s determination to protect lives and property and to dismantle criminal networks operating within Delta State.

“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to rid the state of kidnappers, armed robbers, and illegal arms traffickers. We will continue to act decisively against anyone threatening the peace and safety of our people,” the Commissioner declared.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, warning against shielding criminals or aiding unlawful activities.

“Citizens should promptly report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or reach the Command’s Control Room via 08036684974,” he added.

The recent operations, according to observers, highlight a renewed police offensive against violent crime and arms smuggling in Delta State, reflecting the Command’s drive to restore public safety and confidence across the region.