The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its anti-crime operations with the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the recovery of arms in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The operation, led by the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, targeted a criminal gang believed to be operating from a forest around the Iyede axis.
Police spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed in a statement issued in Warri on Saturday that three suspects handed over by the Area Commander, Ughelli, were interrogated by operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team after coordinated raids in Ughelli and neighbouring communities.
The suspects were identified as Usman Ayuba, 22, from Iyede Community; Ibrahim Abubakar, 22, a native of Akwa Ibom State; and Haruna Dahiru, also known as Bodere, 23, of Iyede Community.
Edafe said the suspects volunteered information that led to the discovery of weapons concealed in the bush.
“On February 26, 2026, at about 8:10pm, the suspects guided operatives to a forest along the Iyede axis where a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition was recovered.
On February 27, 2026, at about 3:45pm, they led the team to their hideout in the same area, resulting in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle,” the statement noted.
The police added that the trio were positively identified by a female victim who was abducted on February 4, 2026, at Olu Avenue, Ughelli, and freed three days later after a ransom of N2m was paid.
The suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
In another development, operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team on February 27, 2026, at about 5am, apprehended a 55-year-old man, Shuabu Adams, during a stop-and-search operation along the Abraka-Oghara Road near Western Delta University.
A search reportedly led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun hidden inside a pullover bag and loaded with two live cartridges.
The suspect was arrested and is assisting with ongoing investigations.
Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police lauded their courage and professionalism, reiterating that the state would not provide safe haven for kidnappers, gun runners and other criminal elements.
He also urged residents to continue volunteering credible information to security agencies to strengthen the fight against crime.
