The Delta State Police Command says it has dismantled a kidnap syndicate operating in Ughelli and surrounding communities, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a loaded magazine and live ammunition in separate operations.
A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bright Edafe. disclosed that the breakthrough followed the interrogation of three suspected kidnappers earlier handed over by the area commander in Ughelli to operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).
The suspects, Usman Ayuba, 22, from Iyede Community; Ibrahim Abubakar, 22, from Akwa Ibom State; and Haruna Dahiru, also known as Bodere, 23, from Iyede Community, reportedly provided information that led to the recovery of arms concealed in a bush along the Iyede axis.
The police said on February 26, 2026, at about 8:10pm, the suspects led operatives to a bush path where a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
The following day, at about 3:45pm, they reportedly guided the team to their hideout within the same area, where an AK-47 rifle was found.
The suspects were identified by a female victim who was abducted on February 4, 2026, at Olu Avenue, Ughelli.
She was said to have regained her freedom three days later after a ransom of N2 million was paid.
Police authorities confirmed that the suspects remain in custody while investigations continue.
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In a separate operation on February 27, 2026, at about 5:00am, operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team intercepted a 55-year-old suspect, Shuabu Adams, during a routine stop-and-search operation, along the Abraka-Oghara axis near Western Delta University.
A search of his belongings allegedly led to the discovery 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 currently under investigation.
The state ommissioner of police commended the operatives for their gallantry, discipline and professionalism, warning that the state would not serve as a haven for kidnappers, gun runners or other criminal elements.
The police urged residents to provide credible and timely information, stressing that community partnership remains central to its strategy in combating crime across the state.
