Police nab five suspected kidnappers, inter-state gun runners in Delta
…two AK-47s recovered The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected kidnappers and inter-state gun runners in separate intelligence-led operations, recovering two AK-47 rifles, 36 rounds of live ammunition, and
...two AK-47s recovered
The Delta State Police Command has arrested suspected kidnappers and inter-state gun runners in separate intelligence-led operations, recovering two AK-47 rifles, 36 rounds of live ammunition, and a vehicle used in the criminal activities.
The police said the operations are part of ongoing efforts to tackle kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking within and beyond the state.
Police spokesman SP Bright Edafe said in a statement on Sunday that in the first operation, carried out on April 24, 2026, operatives of the command’s tactical team based in Ughelli arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Ahmadu Usman, at the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli.
He said Usman, a native of Lafia in Nasarawa State, was linked to a kidnapping syndicate terrorising commuters along the Ughelli–Warri Road.
Edafe said further interrogation reportedly led to the arrest of another suspect, Haruna Abdullahi, 37, at Trailer Park along the Warri–Sapele Road.
He said an AK-47 rifle loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition was recovered from the suspects.
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In a separate operation on April 23, the spokesman said operatives arrested another suspect in Ughelli over alleged involvement in an inter-state gun-running and kidnapping network.
He said the suspect was arrested alongside Haruna Jibrin, 30, a native of Wase in Plateau State, who was allegedly assigned to facilitate the movement of arms from Ughelli to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Edafe said follow-up operations on April 24 led to the arrest of another alleged accomplice, Isiyaku Adamu, 38, in Rivers State.
They said the police recovered another AK-47 rifle and a blue Toyota Corolla (registration number MUS 138 DJ) allegedly used in the operation.
Edafe said investigations into both cases are ongoing.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking.
He assured residents of sustained operations aimed at improving public safety.
