Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 Rifles, Ammunition in Delta Raids

Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 Rifles, Ammunition in Delta Raids

The Delta State Police Command has recorded fresh successes in its ongoing intelligence-driven crackdown on kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal arms proliferation across the state, following the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of high-grade weapons and ammunition.

In a statement issued on May 2, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed that operatives of the Command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) arrested a 45-year-old suspect, Shehu Malami, on April 29 at about 8:10 p.m. at Ogor Market in Ughelli, acting on credible intelligence.

According to the police, the suspect subsequently led operatives to his hideout in Agbarha-Otor, where one AK-47 rifle and 63 rounds of live ammunition were recovered. Preliminary investigations indicate that Malami is a member of a kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for terrorizing communities in Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri, and other parts of the state. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.

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

A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol, and six rounds of live ammunition. Police authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to trace and arrest those connected to the weapons.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining the fight against criminal elements. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies, assuring that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.