Police operatives in Delta State have successfully rescued a woman who was abducted and held captive in a forest near the Iyara community, following a swift and coordinated response by the command. The operation, which took place in the early hours of October 12, was led by officers of the Ovian-Aladja Police Division under the Delta State Police Command.
According to reports, the victim, whose identity has been withheld for security reasons, was kidnapped from her residence at night by a group of armed men. The assailants reportedly stormed her home while her family was asleep, firing sporadically into the air to instill fear before whisking her away to an unknown location. The victim’s relatives immediately alerted the police, prompting the rapid deployment of officers to track the suspects.
Police spokesperson, Superintendent Bright Edafe, confirmed the rescue in a statement released on Wednesday. He said that upon receiving the distress call, operatives launched a tactical search and rescue mission which led them to a forest close to Iyara community. On sighting the police team, the kidnappers fled into the bush, abandoning their victim. The woman was later rescued unharmed and has since been reunited with her family.
“The swift response of our operatives made it impossible for the kidnappers to continue holding their victim,” Edafe said. “We will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations and ensure that those responsible for these crimes are arrested and brought to justice.” He further assured residents of Delta State that the command remains fully committed to ensuring safety and peace across all communities.
Following the incident, police have intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects. Patrol units have been deployed to comb the surrounding forests, while intelligence teams are working to identify the gang’s network and collaborators. Edafe added that investigations are ongoing and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist in the arrest of the criminals.
The rescue operation comes amid growing concerns over rising cases of abduction and armed robbery in some parts of Delta State, especially in rural communities and along major highways. Security analysts have commended the police for their prompt action, noting that swift responses and community cooperation remain key in tackling kidnapping and related crimes in the region.
In a separate operation carried out around the same period, theDelta State Police Command’s Crack Squad apprehended two suspected drug dealers in Effurun’s Government Reserved Area (GRA). The suspects, identified as 33-year-old Igwe Samson and 39-year-old Abalum Sunday, were intercepted in a vehicle containing a significant quantity of suspected hard drugs. The command said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts to clamp down on illicit drug trafficking, which is believed to fuel violent crime in the state.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commended the officers involved in both operations for their professionalism and commitment to duty. He emphasized the need for continued collaboration between security agencies and residents to ensure lasting peace and safety in Delta. “We are fully determined to rid the state of criminal elements,” he said. “The safety of every resident remains our priority, and we urge citizens to report suspicious activities promptly.”
Community leaders in Iyara and surrounding areas have also praised the police for their quick intervention. They expressed relief that the victim was rescued safely and appealed to the government to strengthen security presence in forested areas that have become hideouts for criminal gangs.
As investigations continue, the Delta State Police Command has reassured the public that normalcy has been restored in the area and that efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The successful rescue has once again highlighted the importance of timely information sharing, proactive policing, and collaboration between law enforcement and local communities in addressing the menace of kidnapping in Nigeria’s South-South region.
