Police arrest suspected kidnapper, recover rifles, ammunition in Delta
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and armed robber, recovering two AK-47 rifles, a Beretta pistol and 69 rounds of live ammunition in separate operations across
The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper and armed robber, recovering two AK-47 rifles, a Beretta pistol and 69 rounds of live ammunition in separate operations across the state.
Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said the arrest followed ongoing intelligence-led operations targeting kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal arms proliferation.
Edafe said operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) on April 29, 2026, at about 8:10 p.m., arrested a 45-year-old suspect, Shehu Malami, at Ogor Market in Ughelli.
According to him, the suspect later led operatives to his hideout in Agbarha-Otor, where one AK-47 rifle and 63 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
He said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect is a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri and other parts of the state. Police spokesman said efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.
In a related operation on May 2, 2026, at about 8:35 a.m., Edafe said the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) led operatives of Buffalo, Crack and Operation Delta Shield squads to a bush near the Customs checkpoint along the Benin–Asaba Expressway.
He said a search on the area led to the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol and six rounds of live ammunition.
Edafe said investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those connected to the recovered weapons.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to the police, assuring that all information provided would be treated with confidentiality.
