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Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command have dismantled a suspected kidnapping syndicate operating in a forested area along the Iyede corridor of Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The operation, carried out under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola, forms part of intensified efforts to curb violent crime across the state.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the breakthrough followed the handover of three suspected kidnappers by the Area Commander in Ughelli. The suspects were subsequently interrogated by CP-SAT operatives after coordinated operations within Ughelli and adjoining communities.
In a statement released to journalists in Warri on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer said, “The suspects, Usman Ayuba, aged 22, of Iyede Community; Ibrahim Abubakar, aged 22, of Akwa Ibom State; and Haruna Dahiru, also known as Bodere, aged 23, of Iyede Community, subsequently provided useful information that led to further recoveries.
“On 26 February, 2026, at about 2010hrs, the suspects led operatives to a bush along the Iyede axis where a magazine loaded with twenty-five rounds of live ammunition was recovered. On 27 February 2026, at about 1545hrs, the suspects again took the team to their hideout within the same area where one AK-47 rifle was recovered.
“They were identified by a female victim who was abducted on 4 February 2026, at Olu Avenue, Ughelli, and released three days later after a ransom of Two Million Naira, ₦2,000,000, was paid. The suspects are in custody, and the investigation is ongoing.”
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In a separate operation on February 27, 2026, at about 0500hrs, officers attached to the Dragon Patrol Team intercepted a 55-year-old man, Shuabu Adams, during a routine stop-and-search along the Abraka-Oghara axis near Western Delta University.
A search of the suspect reportedly led to the discovery of a locally fabricated cut-to-size firearm concealed in a pullover bag and loaded with two live cartridges. He was immediately taken into custody, and further investigations are underway.
Commending the operatives for their conduct, the Commissioner of Police praised their “gallantry, discipline and professionalism” during the operations.
He reiterated, “Delta State will not serve as a safe haven for kidnappers, gun runners, or drug traffickers,” adding that residents should continue providing credible and timely information, noting that “community partnership remains a critical pillar in the collective fight against crime.”
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