The Delta State Police Command has neutralised suspected kidnappers and recovered arms during an intelligence-driven raid on criminal hideouts in Ughelli North and Ethiope West Local Government Areas.
The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday.
The statement revealed that the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, instructed operatives from the CP Special Assignment Team to pursue those involved in recent kidnapping and armed robbery cases reported around the Upper-Agbarho area in Ughelli.
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“In compliance with this directive, the operatives led by the commander ASP Julius Robinson on 30/9/2025 extended the investigation to Rivers and Imo States Command respectively and arrested one Abubakar Musa ‘m’ 28yrs of Ajase town, Irepodun LGA of Kwara State but resides at Abajo area, Port Harcourt, and Yusuf Sale ‘m’ 25yrs of Rimin-Zayam town, Toro LGA, Bauchi State but resides at New-Owerri Area, Owerri on 2/10/2025 and 4/10/2025 respectively,” the statement partly read.
During interrogation, the two suspects allegedly guided police operatives to a forested location between the Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North, where the hidden weapons were recovered.
“Upon interrogation, both suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor Communities in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, where one (1) AK-47 rifle with its two (2) magazines and forty-three (43) rounds of live ammunition, one (1) pump action, and a locally made pistol were recovered,” the statement added.
However, as the officers were leaving the area, they were ambushed by other members of the gang who attempted to rescue the arrested suspects.
“On their way out of the bush, the operatives met an ambush by other members of the gang in an attempt to free the suspects already in custody.
“The operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel, where the suspects and some members of their gang who came to rescue them sustained gunshot injuries,” Edafe said.
Two police officers sustained injuries during the gun duel, while the wounded suspects were later confirmed dead at the hospital.
In a different operation, the police stated that officers from the Anti-Cult Unit invaded a hideout in Jesse town, Ethiope West Local Government Area, following intelligence on renewed cult clashes in the vicinity.
“On 5/10/2025, a combined team of State Anti-Cult Unit, following recent cult attacks in Jesse, stormed a hideout where stockpiling of firearms, ammunition, and meetings are usually held before attacks on rival cult groups usually take place,” the command stated.
The raid resulted in the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a pistol along with rounds of ammunition.
“The operatives stormed Sylvester Street in Jesse town, Ethiope West LGA, Delta State, and arrested one Mudiaga Obey ‘m’ 20 years and eleven others.
“During the raid, one Beretta pistol and one live ammunition were recovered. Suspects are in custody, and investigation is ongoing,” Edafe added.
