The Delta State Police Command has recorded breakthroughs in its fight against kidnapping and armed robbery in the state, with the death of suspected kidnappers during a gun duel and the recovery of arms, ammunition, and stolen property.
According to a statement issued by the Commissioner of Police, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) launched an intelligence-led operation following a series of reported kidnapping and armed robbery incidents around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli and its environs.
Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives extended their investigation to Rivers and Imo States, leading to the arrest of two suspects, Abubakar Musa (28) at Abajo area, Port Harcourt, and Yusuf Sale (25) at New Owerri area, Imo State, on October 2 and 4, 2025, respectively.
Upon interrogation, the suspects led police operatives to a bush along Upper-Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area, where one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, 43 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol were recovered.
However, as the operatives exited the hideout, they were ambushed by other members of the gang attempting to rescue the arrested suspects. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which the suspects and some of their accomplices sustained gunshot injuries. Two police officers were also injured and are currently receiving medical attention. The injured suspects were taken to the hospital, where they later died while receiving treatment.
The police have secured the recovered exhibits while a manhunt for the fleeing gang members continues.
In a separate operation, the Delta State Police Command arrested members of a kidnap syndicate responsible for the abduction of a young man from his residence in Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State.
The incident occurred on September 8, 2025, at about 1:30 a.m. when the victim was kidnapped and taken into the bush. Despite collecting a ₦2 million ransom, the kidnappers shot him in the leg for allegedly failing to meet their monetary demands.
Responding swiftly, operatives of the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad (SAKCCS) tracked the suspects to the Ogwashi-Uku forest, where the victim was rescued with gunshot injuries.
Further intelligence-led investigations led to the arrest of Chukwuebuka Nka (25) of Nenwe, Aniri LGA, Enugu State, and Uche Okechukwu of Amaifeke, Orlu LGA, Imo State, along Owerri Road, Ndemili North LGA, Anambra State. The victim’s white Toyota Venza SUV was also recovered.
Based on the suspects’ confessions, police operatives stormed another hideout at Agidiase village, Ogwashi-Uku, where they arrested Somto Chukwuma (18) of Ezea, Ihiala LGA, Anambra State. The suspect led the team to a different hideout in the same area, where a Toyota Matrix vehicle with registration number RRT-331-AE and a network jammer circuit device were recovered.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their gallantry and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding Delta State of criminal elements.
