Rita Enemuru, Reporting
IN a significant boost to security in the region, the Delta State Police Command has announced a series of successful operations against criminal elements, resulting in multiple arrests and the recovery of a cache of weapons.
The Command, under the stewardship of Commissioner of Police Aina Adesola, confirmed that three suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate have been taken into custody following a meticulous investigation. The suspects, identified as Usman Ayuba, 22, Ibrahim Abubakar, 22, and Haruna Dahiru, 23, were initially handed over to the police by the Area Commander in Ughelli.
Intelligence-led interrogations by the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) prompted the suspects to lead officers to their hidden armoury. In two separate excursions this week, the gang guided operatives to a bush along the Iyede axis. During the searches on Thursday and Friday, police recovered a magazine loaded with twenty-five rounds of live ammunition and, crucially, one AK-47 rifle.
The three men have been directly linked to the abduction of a female victim on 4th February at Olu Avenue, Ughelli. The woman, who has since identified the suspects, was held for three days and released only after a ransom of Two Million Naira (₦2,000,000) was paid. They currently remain in custody as investigations proceed.
In a separate incident early on Friday morning, officers from the Dragon Patrol Team intercepted an armed suspect during a routine stop-and-search operation along the Abraka Oghara axis, near the Western Delta University.
The patrol team detained one Shuabu Adams, aged 55, after discovering a locally made cut-to-size gun concealed inside a pullover bag. The weapon was found to be loaded with two live cartridges at the time of the arrest.
Commending the gallantry and professionalism displayed by his officers, CP Aina Adesola reiterated the command’s hardline stance against violent crime. He issued a stark warning that Delta State would not become a safe haven for kidnappers, gun runners, or drug traffickers.
The Commissioner also renewed his appeal to members of the public, urging them to continue supplying the police with credible and timely information, emphasising that community partnership is an essential pillar in the ongoing fight against crime.
