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Local government

Kidnap Suspects Arrested in Delta as Abduction-for-Ransom Crime Persists in Nigeria

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Seven kidnap suspects have been arrested in Ubeji Community, Warri South Local Government of Delta State, as authorities intensify efforts to combat the growing menace of abduction for ransom in Nigerian cities. The suspects were apprehended by police operatives attached to the Ekpan Division, Uvwie Local Government Area, following a distress report of a suspected kidnapping incident. Three male victims were rescued from the custody of the suspects and have since reunited with their families.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Police Command in Delta State has arrested seven kidnap suspects at Ubeji Community in Warri South Local Government.
  • Three male victims were rescued from the custody of the suspects and have since reunited with their families.
  • The suspects were arrested on Thursday by police operatives attached to the Ekpan Division, Uvwie Local Government Area, based on credible information received by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge.
  • Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were abducted at a dredging site at Ubeji and ferried across the river by the suspects.
  • The suspects had threatened to kill the victims' families if certain demands were not met.
  • Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
  • Abduction for ransom has become a prevalent crime in many Nigerian cities, with just anybody prone to being attacked by kidnappers.
  • In July, a popular entrepreneur, Ifesinachi Martins Onyekere, was abducted and killed in Anambra State.
  • Nigerians paid at least N2.57 billion to kidnappers between July 2024 and June 2025, while abductors demanded N48 billion in the same period.

Statistics:

  • 7 kidnap suspects were arrested in Ubeji Community, Warri South Local Government of Delta State.
  • 3 male victims were rescued from the custody of the suspects.
  • Nigerians paid at least N2.57 billion to kidnappers between July 2024 and June 2025.
  • Abductors demanded N48 billion between July 2024 and June 2025.

Sources:

  • Bright Edafe, Police Spokesperson in Delta State
  • Labe Joseph, Chief Superintendent of Police, Ekpan Division
  • Premium Times
  • NAN (Nigerian Association of Newspapers)

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