Delta Police Kill Suspected Kidnappers, Recover AK-47, Other Firearms in Ughelli

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of sophisticated firearms during a gun battle in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, who confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday, October 6, 2025, said the operation followed a series of reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery around the Upper-Agbarho axis and its environs.

According to him, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, had directed operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) to conduct an intelligence-led operation to track down the criminals behind the recent surge in violent crimes in the area.

Acting on credible intelligence, the CP-SAT team led by ASP Julius Robinson extended its investigation to Rivers and Imo States, where two suspects Abubakar Musa (28) of Kwara State, residing in Port Harcourt, and Yusuf Sale (25) of Bauchi State, residing in Owerri were arrested on October 2 and 4, 2025, respectively.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a kidnapping syndicate operating within Delta and its neighboring states. They later led police operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North, where the following items were recovered:

One (1) AK-47 rifle with two (2) magazines and forty-three (43) rounds of live ammunition

One (1) pump-action gun

One (1) locally made pistol

However, while exiting the area, the operatives were ambushed by other members of the gang attempting to rescue their arrested colleagues. The police engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel, resulting in the death of the two suspects and some gang members who sustained gunshot injuries.

Two police operatives also sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and are currently receiving treatment. A manhunt has been launched for the fleeing members of the gang.

In a separate operation, the Command’s State Anti-Cult Unit arrested twelve suspected cultists at a hideout in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area, following recent cult-related clashes in the community.

During the raid on Sylvester Street, one Beretta pistol and one live ammunition were recovered. The suspects, including Mudiaga Obey (20), are currently in custody as investigations continue.

SP Edafe Bright reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding Delta State of criminals, urging residents to remain law-abiding and provide timely information that can aid police operations.