The Delta State Police Command says it has recorded fresh successes in its ongoing intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, armed robbery and illegal arms proliferation across the state.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team arrested a 45-year-old suspect, Shehu Malami, at Ogor Market in Ughelli on April 29. The suspect reportedly led officers to his hideout in Agbarha-Otor, where an AK-47 rifle and 63 rounds of live ammunition were recovered.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is a member of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri and other parts of the state. Police say efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
In a related operation on May 2, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) led a joint team comprising Buffalo, Crack and Operation Delta Shield units to a bush near the Customs checkpoint along the Benin–Asaba Expressway. A search of the area led to the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, a Beretta pistol and six rounds of live ammunition.
The Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to sustain the crackdown on criminal elements and urged residents to report suspicious activities, assuring them of confidentiality.