Security operatives in Delta State have successfully rescued five kidnapped worshippers following a raid on a criminal hideout in Ubuluku forest.
The victims, all members of Elyon Paradise Ministry, Ogwashi-Uku, were abducted during a church vigil on February 22, 2025, while their pastor sustained gunshot injuries and remains hospitalized.
Following the incident, Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, swiftly deployed tactical teams, including the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad, to track down the assailants and secure the hostages’ release.
On February 25, 2025, operatives, in collaboration with Ubuluku community vigilantes and local residents, launched a coordinated rescue operation at the kidnappers’ camp. The criminals, upon sighting security forces, opened fire but were swiftly overpowered and forced to flee, abandoning their captives.
All five victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families. Security operatives also recovered 13 expended cartridges and ₦1.3 million, suspected to be ransom money.
Delta State Police Command spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed that a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing. Meanwhile, Commissioner Abaniwonda commended the bravery of the officers involved and the support of the Ubuluku community, including human rights activists who played a role in the operation.
