The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of a 62-year-old woman, identified as Charter Timide, who was found with a concealed sack containing 178 live cartridges neatly packed for delivery.

This comes as operatives also arrested several suspected kidnappers and rescued three abducted victims in a series of coordinated operations across the state.

In a statement issued at the weekend, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operations, conducted in Bomadi, Asaba, and Ubeji communities, were part of the Command’s sustained efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and the proliferation of illegal firearms in Delta State.

According to the statement, on 30th October 2025, at about 12:30 p.m., operatives attached to 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.

He said the motorcyclist was conveying the 62-year-old woman, who was found with a concealed sack containing 178 live cartridges neatly packed for delivery.

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

The exhibits and the suspect have been transferred to the State Headquarters in Asaba for discreet investigation to determine possible links with criminal groups or illegal arms dealers.

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

A team of detectives and patrol operatives was immediately deployed to the area. On sighting the police, the suspected kidnappers fled into an abandoned poultry house.

The operatives swiftly cordoned off the premises, leading to the arrest of seven suspects, all residents of Ubeji Community: Felix Omone (33), Solomon Omone (29), Tony Eboye (34), Omone David (32), Jerry Omone (33), Godspower Omone (25), and Edewho Bomele (33).

The operation also resulted in the rescue of three male victims, all from Jeddo Community, who were reportedly abducted from a dredging site and ferried across a river by their captors.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the victims had been contacted with threats to their lives while ransom negotiations were ongoing. They have since been reunited with their families.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the professionalism and swift response of the operatives involved in the operations.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and to the ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the state.

“The Command remains resolute in its determination to rid Delta 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 stated.

The CP urged residents to remain law-abiding, avoid harbouring criminal elements, and report suspicious movements or persons to the nearest police station or the Command Control Room via 08036684974. (Nigerian Tribune)