Delta Police arrest suspected kidnapper, recover AK-47 rifles, pistol, ammunition

Crime Diary

ASABA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Delta State Police Command says it has arrested a suspected kidnapper and armed robber while recovering two AK-47 rifles, a Beretta pistol and 69 rounds of live ammunition during separate intelligence-led operations across the state.

The command disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, saying the operations were part of ongoing efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal arms proliferation in Delta State.

According to a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, arrested a 45-year-old suspect identified as Shehu Malami at Ogor Market in Ughelli on April 29, 2026, at about 8:10 p.m.

Police said the suspect later led operatives to his hideout in Agbarha-Otor, where one AK-47 rifle and 63 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is allegedly a member of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri and other parts of the state.

The command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.

In a separate operation on May 2, 2026, at about 8:35 a.m., the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations reportedly led operatives of the Buffalo Squad, Crack Squad and Operation Delta Shield to a bush near the Customs Checkpoint along the Benin–Asaba Expressway following actionable intelligence.

A search of the area led to the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, six rounds of live ammunition and one Beretta pistol, police said.

The command added that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest the suspects linked to the recovered weapons.

Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal elements across the state.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and individuals to the police, assuring them that all information provided would be treated with strict confidentiality.