Dare Babalola
The Delta State Police Command has announced the arrest of suspected kidnappers and gun-running syndicates, alongside the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and ammunition in separate intelligence-led operations across the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the operations were part of ongoing efforts to curb kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking.
According to the statement, operatives of the command’s tactical team based in Ughelli arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Ahmadu Usman, on April 24 at the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli over his alleged involvement in a kidnapping syndicate terrorising commuters along the Ughelli–Warri Road.
“Further interrogation led to the arrest of Haruna Abdullahi, 37, at Trailer Park along Warri–Sapele Road, and one AK-47 rifle loaded with thirty-six rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was recovered from them,” the statement said.
Edafe added that the suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.
In a related development, the police also uncovered an inter-state gun-running and kidnapping network, leading to multiple arrests across states.
The statement noted, “In a coordinated sting operation on 23 April 2026, operatives of the command’s tactical team arrested a suspect in Ughelli for involvement in an inter-state gun-running and kidnapping network.”
It further stated that the suspect was apprehended alongside one Haruna Jibrin, who was allegedly tasked with transporting arms from Ughelli to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
“Follow-up operations on 24 April 2026 led to the arrest of another accomplice, Isiyaku Adamu, in Rivers State. The AK-47 intended to be transported was recovered alongside a blue Toyota Corolla used in the operation,” the statement added.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking.
He assured residents that sustained operations would continue to enhance public safety and rid the state of criminal elements.
