Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Rifles and Ammunition in Delta Operations

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh operational gains in its sustained crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal arms proliferation, with the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of high-grade firearms and ammunition across multiple locations in the state.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Command disclosed that the breakthrough followed intelligence-led operations carried out by specialized tactical teams.

According to the statement, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) on April 29, 2026, at about 8:10 p.m., apprehended a 45-year-old suspect, Shehu Malami, at Ogor Market in Ughelli. Acting on credible intelligence, the officers tracked and arrested the suspect, who subsequently led them to his hideout in Agbarha-Otor.

A search of the location resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and sixty-three rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is allegedly a member of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for terrorizing residents in Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri, and surrounding areas. Police authorities confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

In a related development, on May 2, 2026, at about 8:35 a.m., the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations led a joint team of operatives from the Buffalo Squad, Crack Squad, and Operation Delta Shield to a bush near the Customs Checkpoint along the Benin–Asaba Expressway.

The coordinated search operation led to the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, and six rounds of live ammunition concealed within the area. Investigations are ongoing to identify and arrest those connected to the recovered weapons.

Reacting to the developments, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying the fight against criminality across the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities or individuals to the police, assuring the public that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.

The Command emphasized that operations will continue unabated as part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal networks and ensure the safety and security of lives and property in Delta State.