ASABA: The Delta State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate operating in Ughelli and neighbouring communities, recovering an AK-47 rifle and live ammunition, while also arresting an armed suspect in a separate operation.
The breakthrough was recorded under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola.
In a major operation, three suspected kidnappers earlier handed over by the Area Commander, Ughelli, were interrogated by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).
The suspects — Usman Ayuba, 22, of Iyede Community; Ibrahim Abubakar, 22, of Akwa Ibom State and Haruna Dahiru, alias “Bodere,” 23, also of Iyede reportedly provided information that led to the recovery of arms and ammunition.
On February 26, 2026, at about 8:10 p.m., they led operatives to a bush along the Iyede axis where a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
The following day, at about 3:45 p.m., they guided the team to their hideout within the same area, resulting in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.
Police said the suspects were identified by a female victim abducted on February 4, 2026, at Olu Avenue, Ughelli, and released three days later after a ransom of ₦2 million was paid.
The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue.
In a separate operation on February 27, 2026, at about 5:00 a.m., operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team intercepted Shuabu Adams, 55, during stop-and-search duty along the Abraka–Oghara axis near Western Delta University.
A search led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun concealed in a pullover bag and loaded with two live cartridges. He was immediately arrested and is under investigation.
Commending the operatives, CP Adesola reiterated that Delta State would not serve as a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements, urging residents to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
