The Delta State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate and recovered firearms and live ammunition in separate operations across the state.
In a press statement issued on 28 February 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, recorded significant breakthroughs in its ongoing fight against crime and criminality.
According to the statement, three suspected kidnappers earlier handed over by the Area Commander, Ughelli, were interrogated by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team. The suspects were identified as Usman Ayuba, 22, of Iyede Community; Ibrahim Abubakar, 22, of Akwa Ibom State; and Haruna Dahiru, also known as Bodere, 23, also of Iyede Community.
Their confessions led to the recovery of a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition on 26 February 2026 at about 8:10pm in a bush along the Iyede axis. The following day, at about 3:45pm, the suspects further guided operatives to their hideout in the same area where one AK-47 rifle was recovered.
Police said the suspects were positively identified by a female victim who was abducted on 4 February 2026 at Olu Avenue, Ughelli, and later released after a ransom of ₦2 million was paid. They are currently in custody while investigations continue.
In another operation, operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team deployed along the Abraka–Oghara axis intercepted a 55-year-old suspect, Shuabu Adams, during a stop-and-search duty near Western Delta University at about 5:00am on 27 February 2026. A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun concealed in a pullover bag and loaded with two live cartridges.
The suspect was arrested and is assisting police with ongoing investigations.
The Commissioner of Police commended the gallantry, discipline and professionalism of the operatives involved, stressing that Delta State would not serve as a safe haven for kidnappers, gun runners or other criminal elements.
He urged residents to continue to provide credible and timely information to security agencies, noting that community partnership remains vital in tackling crime across the state.
