Delta Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 Rifle and Ammunition

The Delta State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Shehu Malami, in connection with a series of kidnappings and armed robberies across the state. Operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended the suspect on April 29, 2026, around 8:10 p.m. at Ogor Market in Ughelli.

Following the arrest, Malami led the police to his hideout in Agbarha-Otor, where a search yielded one AK-47 rifle and 63 rounds of live ammunition. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect belongs to a kidnapping syndicate that has been terrorising Ughelli, Agbarho, Sapele, Warri, and other parts of Delta State. Authorities have confirmed that efforts are underway to arrest other members of the gang.

In a separate operation on May 2, 2026, at about 8:35 a.m., the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) mobilised and led a combined team of the Buffalo, Crack, and Operation Delta Shield squads to a bush near the Customs checkpoint along the Benin–Asaba Expressway. A thorough search of the area led to the recovery of another AK-47 rifle, six rounds of live ammunition, and one Beretta pistol. Investigations are ongoing, and security forces are intensifying efforts to track down the suspects linked to the hidden weapons.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, has reaffirmed the command’s resolve to maintain pressure on criminal elements.

He also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons or activities in their communities, assuring that all information provided would be treated with the strictest confidentiality.