ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh operational gains in its sustained crackdown on violent crime, dismantling a suspected kidnap syndicate and recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition in Ughelli and surrounding communities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, said the breakthroughs were achieved through coordinated intelligence-led operations by tactical units of the command.
According to the statement, three suspected kidnappers — Usman Ayuba, 22, of Iyede Community; Ibrahim Abubakar, 22, of Akwa Ibom State; and Haruna Dahiru, alias Bodere, 23, also of Iyede — were earlier handed over to police by the Area Commander in Ughelli and subsequently subjected to detailed interrogation by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).
Their confessional statements reportedly led to the recovery of a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition on February 26, 2026, at about 8:10 p.m., from a bush along the Iyede axis. The following day, at about 3:45 p.m., the suspects further guided operatives to their hideout in the same area where an AK-47 rifle was recovered.
Police investigations revealed that the suspects were linked to the abduction of a female victim on February 4, 2026, at Olu Avenue, Ughelli. The victim was released three days later after a ransom of ₦2 million was paid and has since identified the suspects.
The trio is currently 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 a 55-year-old suspect, Shuabu Adams, during a routine stop-andsearch exercise along the Abraka-Oghara axis near Western Delta University.
A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size firearm concealed in a pullover bag and loaded with two live cartridges. He was promptly arrested and remains in custody pending further investigation.
Commending the operatives involved, CP Aina Adesola reiterated the command’s resolve to deny criminal elements any operational space within the state.
He urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains a critical component in the ongoing fight against crime and criminality in Delta State.
