By Oghenefejiro Emado
28, February 2026
The Delta State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in the fight against crime, announcing the dismantling of a kidnap ring and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and live ammunition.
According to reports, three suspected kidnappers were handed over to the police by the Area Commander, Ughelli, and were subsequently interrogated by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).
The suspects, identified as Usman Ayuba, 22, Ibrahim Abubakar, 22, and Haruna Dahiru, 23, provided valuable information that led to the recovery of a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of live ammunition and an AK-47 rifle.
The suspects were identified by a female victim who was abducted on February 4, 2026, and released three days later after a ransom of ₦2,000,000 was paid. They are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
In another operation, police operatives intercepted a suspect, Shuabu Adams, 55, along the Abraka Oghara axis, recovering a locally made cut-to-size gun and two live cartridges.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, has commended the operatives involved in the operations, reiterating that Delta State will not be a safe haven for criminals.
The Command has urged residents to continue providing information to aid in the fight against crime.
Read full press release
28th February, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND SMASHES KIDNAP RING, RECOVERS TWO AK-47 RIFLES AND LIVE AMMUNITION.
The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Aina Adesola, has recorded significant operational breakthroughs in the fight against crime and criminality.
1. KIDNAP SYNDICATE DISMANTLED; ONE AK-47 RIFLES, ONE MAGAZINE, AND LIVE AMMUNITION RECOVERED
In a major breakthrough in Ughelli and adjoining communities, three suspected kidnappers earlier handed over by the Area Commander, Ughelli, were subjected to thorough interrogation by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).
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 and 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 investigation is ongoing.
2. ARREST OF ARMED SUSPECT; RECOVERY OF ONE LOCALLY MADE CUT-TO-SIZE GUN AND TWO LIVE CARTRIDGES
Also on 27 February 2026 at about 0500hrs, operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team, deployed along the Abraka Oghara axis, intercepted one Shuabu Adams, aged 55, during routine stop and search duty near Western Delta University. A thorough search led to the recovery of a locally made cut to size gun concealed inside a pullover bag and loaded with two live cartridges. The suspect was promptly arrested and investigation is ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commends the gallantry, discipline and professionalism of the operatives involved in these operations. He reiterates that Delta State will not serve as a safe haven for kidnappers, gun runners or drug traffickers. The Command urges residents to continue providing credible and timely information, as community partnership remains a critical pillar in the collective fight against crime.
SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA
