A 19-year-old girl has been apprehended in Delta State by local vigilantes after allegedly conspiring with a kidnapping gang and attempting to collect ransom on their behalf.
The incident occurred in the Uvwie Local Government Area, where the suspect—whose identity is being withheld for security reasons—was reportedly acting as a courier for the criminals. She was caught red-handed while trying to retrieve ransom money from relatives of a kidnapped victim.
According to community sources, the young woman had arrived at an agreed drop-off point when members of a local vigilante group, acting on a tip-off, swooped in and arrested her. A locally-made pistol was found in her possession at the time of arrest.
“We had been tracking the group for some time. When we got intelligence that someone was coming to pick up ransom, we laid ambush. She walked right into our hands,” a vigilante leader said.
During a preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being in communication with the kidnappers, who are said to be hiding in the thick forests bordering parts of Delta and Edo States. She claimed she was lured into the operation with promises of money and was unaware of the full extent of the gang's activities.
The kidnapped victim, a middle-aged businessman, was abducted earlier in the week while returning home from work. The kidnappers demanded N5 million for his release.
The girl is currently in custody, and the case has been handed over to the Delta State Police Command for further investigation.
Spokesperson for the command, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident and assured the public that efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining members of the syndicate and ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
“We commend the local vigilantes for their bravery and quick response. This is a clear sign that community policing is working. We urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements promptly,” Edafe stated.
The incident has sparked public outrage, with many expressing concern over the increasing involvement of youths—particularly young women—in violent crimes and kidnapping networks across the region.
As of the time of filing this report, the rescued victim’s status remains unknown, but police have assured that all measures are being taken to ensure his safe return.
Let me know if you'd like this adapted into a version suitable for broadcast or community announcement.
