DELTA POLICE KILL SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, RECOVER ARMS IN INTELLIGENCE-LED OPERATIONS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of weapons during a series of intelligence-led operations across Ughelli North and Ethiope West Local Government Areas of the state.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, who said the operations were carried out under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, to clamp down on criminal elements involved in kidnapping and armed robbery.

According to Edafe, the CP Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, tracked down and arrested two key suspects Abubakar Musa (28) from Kwara State and Yusuf Sale (25) from Bauchi State in Port Harcourt and Owerri on October 2 and October 4, 2025, respectively.

During interrogation, the suspects led the police to a forested area between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North, where a cache of weapons was hidden.

“Upon interrogation, both suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, where one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and forty-three rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol were recovered,” Edafe said.

However, the police team was ambushed by other members of the gang while leaving the area, leading to a fierce gun battle.

“The operatives met an ambush by other members of the gang attempting to free the arrested suspects. In the ensuing gun duel, the suspects and some gang members sustained gunshot injuries,” Edafe stated.

Two police officers also sustained injuries during the exchange, while the wounded suspects were confirmed dead at the hospital.

In a separate operation, Edafe said the State Anti-Cult Unit stormed a hideout in Jesse town, Ethiope West LGA, following reports of renewed cult clashes.

“On 5/10/2025, a combined team of the State Anti-Cult Unit, acting on credible intelligence, raided a hideout at Sylvester Street, Jesse town, where cult members held meetings and stored arms before launching attacks on rival groups,” he said.

The raid led to the arrest of 12 suspects, including 20-year-old Mudiaga Obey, and the recovery of one Beretta pistol and one live ammunition.

Edafe added that investigations are ongoing and that the command remains committed to flushing out criminals and restoring peace across Delta State.