A suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate has been arrested in Delta State as police recover AK-47 rifles, a pistol, and live ammunition in coordinated operations.
The Delta State Police Command in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe said the arrest was made on April 29, 2026, at about 2010 hours when operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Shehu Malami, 45, at Ogor Market in Ughelli.
According to Edafe, “the suspect subsequently led operatives to his hideout in Agbarha-Otor, where one AK-47 rifle and sixty-three rounds of live ammunition were recovered.”
He stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is “a member of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri and other parts of the state.”
The PRO added that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang, noting that “the Command remains committed to dismantling all criminal networks operating within the State.”
In a related development, Edafe revealed that the command recorded another success on May 2, 2026, when the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations), acting on credible intelligence, led operatives of the Buffalo, Crack, and Operation Delta Shield (ODS) squads to a bush near the Customs Checkpoint along the Benin–Asaba Expressway.
“A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, one Beretta pistol, and six rounds of live ammunition,” he stated, adding that investigation is ongoing to identify and arrest those connected to the weapons.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the tempo against criminal elements. “We will continue to deploy intelligence-led strategies to rid the state of kidnapping, armed robbery, and illegal arms proliferation,” Edafe stated.
Residents were urged to remain vigilant and support security efforts by reporting suspicious movements.
“Members of the public are encouraged to monitor their environment and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities, with assurance that their identities will be treated with utmost confidentiality,” Edafe added.
Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Arms in Delta
