Police Arrest Suspected Kidnappers, Gun Runners in Delta, Recover AK-47 Rifles and Ammunition

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking, with the arrest of multiple suspects and the recovery of firearms and ammunition during intelligence-led operations across the state.

According to a press statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the tactical team based in Ughelli carried out a series of coordinated operations between April 23 and 24, 2026, targeting criminal networks operating within and beyond Delta State.

In one of the operations conducted on April 24 at about 6:30 p.m., police arrested a 22-year-old suspect, Ahmadu Usman, in the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli. The suspect, said to be a native of Lafiya in Nasarawa State, was linked to a kidnapping syndicate reportedly terrorising commuters along the Ughelli–Warri Road.

Further interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of another alleged accomplice, Haruna Abdullahi, 37, at a trailer park along the Warri–Sapele Road. Police recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the suspects. Authorities confirmed that both individuals are currently in custody as investigations continue.

In a separate but related operation, the Command also uncovered an inter-state gun-running and kidnapping network. Acting on intelligence, operatives arrested a suspect in Ughelli on April 23 alongside Haruna Jibrin, 30, a native of Wase in Plateau State. Investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly involved in facilitating the movement of illegal arms from Ughelli to Port Harcourt in Rivers State.

Subsequent follow-up operations on April 24 led to the arrest of another suspect, Isiyaku Adamu, 38, in Rivers State. Police also recovered an AK-47 rifle intended for transportation, along with a blue Toyota Corolla (registration number MUS 138 DJ) believed to have been used in the operation.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, reiterated the Command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking. He assured residents that sustained operations would continue across the state to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety of lives and property.

Police authorities confirmed that all suspects remain in custody while investigations are ongoing, with assurances that those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the law.