The Delta State Police Command has killed suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons in an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal hideouts in Ughelli North and Ethiope West Local Government Areas.
This was disclosed in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, on Monday.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team to track down criminal elements behind reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli.
“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.
The two suspects, during interrogation, reportedly led police operatives to a forested area between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North, where weapons were 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 (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, the police team was ambushed on their way out of the area by other members of the gang attempting to free 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 were also injured in the exchange of gunfire, while the wounded suspects later died in the hospital.
In a separate operation, the police said its anti-cult unit stormed a hideout in Jesse town, Ethiope West Local Government Area, following reports of renewed cult clashes in the area.
“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 operation led to the arrest of multiple suspects and recovery of a pistol and 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.
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