Delta State Police dismantle kidnap syndicate in Ughelli North, recover AK-47 rifle and ammunition as suspects linked to ransom abduction

Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Police Command have dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate operating in a bush along the Iyede axis of Ughelli North Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle and live ammunition during coordinated operations.

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The breakthrough forms part of ongoing efforts by the Delta State Police Command to curb kidnapping and violent crime across the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement issued to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

According to the statement, three suspected kidnappers earlier handed over by the Area Commander in Ughelli were subjected to detailed interrogation by operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola.

The suspects were identified as Usman Ayuba, 22, of Iyede Community; Ibrahim Abubakar, 22, from Akwa Ibom State; and Haruna Dahiru, also known as Bodere, 23, also of Iyede Community.

Police said intelligence obtained from the suspects led to significant recoveries during follow-up operations.

“On 26 February 2026, at about 2010hrs, the suspects led operatives to a bush along the Iyede axis where a magazine loaded with twenty-five rounds of live ammunition was recovered,” the statement read.

The following day, at about 1545hrs, the suspects reportedly guided officers to their hideout within the same area, resulting in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle.

Investigators further confirmed that the suspects were identified by a female victim abducted on February 4, 2026, along Olu Avenue in Ughelli and released three days later after a ransom payment of ₦2 million.

Police authorities confirmed that the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.

Gun Suspect Arrested in Separate Operation

In a related development, operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team deployed along the Abraka–Oghara axis arrested a suspected illegal arms carrier during a routine stop-and-search operation.

The suspect, Shuabu Adams, 55, was intercepted near Western Delta University at about 0500hrs on February 27, 2026.

A search of his belongings led to the recovery of a locally fabricated cut-to-size firearm concealed in a pullover bag and loaded with two live cartridges.

He has since been taken into custody pending further investigation.

Commending the officers involved, Commissioner of Police CP Aina Adesola praised the operatives for their gallantry, discipline and professionalism.

He reiterated that Delta State would not serve as a safe haven for kidnappers, gun runners or other criminal elements, urging residents to sustain cooperation with security agencies through timely and credible intelligence sharing.