Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Aina Adesola, have dismantled a kidnap syndicate in a bush along the Iyede axis of Ughelli North Local Government Area.

PUNCH Metro gathered that the operational breakthrough came as part of the Command’s ongoing fight against crime and criminality.

According to the State Police Command spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, three suspected kidnappers handed over by the Area Commander, Ughelli, were thoroughly interrogated by CP-SAT operatives following operations in Ughelli and neighbouring communities.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday, 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.”

In a separate development, on February 27, 2026, at about 0500hrs, operatives of the Dragon Patrol Team, deployed along the Abraka-Oghara axis, intercepted one Shuabu Adams, aged 55, during a 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 the investigation is ongoing.

The state Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the “gallantry, discipline and professionalism” of the operatives involved in 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.” (Sunday PUNCH)