The Delta State Police Command has killed suspected kidnappers and recovered several weapons during an intelligence-led operation in Ughelli North and Ethiope West Local Government Areas.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the operation followed a directive from the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, to track down criminal groups involved in kidnapping and armed robbery around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli.
Edafe said operatives from the CP’s Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, extended their investigation to Rivers and Imo States, where they arrested two suspects — Abubakar Musa, 28, from Kwara State, and Yusuf Sale, 25, from Bauchi State.
“Upon interrogation, both suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North, where one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and forty-three rounds of live ammunition, one pump action gun, and a locally made pistol were recovered,” the statement said.
The police team, however, came under attack from other members of the gang who attempted to rescue the arrested suspects.
“On their way out of the bush, the operatives met an ambush by other members of the gang. The operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel, where the suspects and some members of their gang who came to rescue them sustained gunshot injuries,” Edafe said.
Two police officers were also injured during the exchange of gunfire, while the wounded suspects later died in the hospital.
In a separate operation, the command’s anti-cult unit raided a hideout in Jesse town, Ethiope West Local Government Area, following reports of renewed cult clashes.
“On 5/10/2025, a combined team of the State Anti-Cult Unit stormed a hideout in Jesse town, where firearms and ammunition were being stored before attacks on rival cult groups,” Edafe stated.
The police arrested 20-year-old Mudiaga Obey and eleven others during the raid.
“During the operation, one Beretta pistol and one live ammunition were recovered. The suspects are in custody, and investigation is ongoing,” Edafe added.
