The Delta State Police Command has recorded another major breakthrough in its ongoing war against violent crimes, with the death of two suspected kidnappers following a fierce gun battle in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
A statement issued on Monday, October 6, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 43 rounds of live ammunition, a pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out by the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, after several reports of kidnapping and armed robbery incidents around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli.
The team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, extended its intelligence-driven operation to Rivers and Imo States, arresting two key suspects, Abubakar Musa, 28, of Kwara State, and Yusuf Sale, 25, of Bauchi State, on October 2 and 4, respectively.
During interrogation, the suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North, where the cache of weapons was recovered.
However, while exiting the area, the police team was ambushed by other members of the gang attempting to rescue their colleagues.
A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued, resulting in gunshot injuries to the arrested suspects and some of their accomplices.
Two police operatives also sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
The wounded suspects were taken to the hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.
SP Edafe added that the recovered exhibits are in police custody while efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing gang members.
In a separate operation, the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit also apprehended 12 suspected cultists in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area, following intelligence reports of planned attacks by rival groups.
During the raid on a known hideout along Sylvester Street in Jesse on October 5, 2025, police recovered one Beretta pistol and one live ammunition.
The arrested suspects, including 20-year-old Mudiaga Obey, are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The Delta State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of residents and urged the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies.
“The Command will not relent in its efforts to rid the state of kidnappers, cultists, and other criminal elements,” SP Edafe assured.
