UGHELLI, Delta State — Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Delta State Command, have recorded a breakthrough in ongoing operations against kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking networks operating within and beyond the state.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the arrests followed intelligence-led operations carried out by the command’s tactical teams.
Edafe disclosed that on April 24, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m., operatives stationed in Ughelli apprehended a 22-year-old suspect, Ahmadu Usman, at the Ekuigbo area. The suspect, a native of Lafiya in Nasarawa State, was linked to a kidnapping syndicate known for attacking commuters along the busy Ughelli–Warri Road.
Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Haruna Abdullahi, aged 37, at the Trailer Park along Warri–Sapele Road. Police recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the suspects.
In a related development, the police also carried out a coordinated sting operation on April 23, 2026, resulting in the arrest of another suspect connected to an interstate gun-running and kidnapping network.
The suspect was apprehended alongside one Haruna Jibrin, 30, from Wase in Plateau State, who was allegedly responsible for facilitating the transportation of illegal arms from Ughelli to Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Subsequent follow-up operations on April 24 led to the arrest of an additional accomplice, Isiyaku Adamu, 38, in Rivers State. Authorities also recovered the AK-47 rifle intended for transport, as well as a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number MUS 138 DJ believed to have been used in the operation.
All suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue to uncover the full extent of the network.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking. He assured residents that sustained operations would continue to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety across the state.
