The Delta State Police Command have rescued a 23-year-old kidnap victim, arrested eight suspected armed robbers and cultists, and recovered three firearms, 26 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp in separate operations across the state.

The operations were conducted between October 20 and 23, 2026, following intelligence gathering and collaboration with local volunteer groups, according to a statement by the command.

The police said operatives of the Owa-Oyibu Division rescued the victim on October 20, a day after he was allegedly abducted by two suspected kidnappers in front of his residence at Owa-Alero and dragged into a nearby bush.

The command said the operation followed a report by the victim’s brother, prompting officers to search surrounding bushes until the victim was found and rescued.

It added that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing abductors.

In a separate operation on October 23, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) raided a hotel in Abraka suspected of being used for drug-related activities.

The raid led to the arrest of six suspected cultists and the recovery of a bag containing a firearm and substances suspected to be Indian hemp. The police said some individuals fled upon sighting the operatives.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the ownership and source of the recovered firearm and identify other persons linked to the incident.

Similarly, on October 21, operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), Sector III, Ubuluku, raided the residence of a 62-year-old man, Richard Nmorsi, in Ekuku-Agbor community, Ika South Local Government Area, following intelligence received by the unit.

The raid reportedly led to the recovery of a locally fabricated firearm, 24 live cartridges and substances suspected to be Indian hemp.

The police said investigations into the various incidents were ongoing.