Delta Police Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Arms in Ughelli

The Delta State Police Command has announced the death of two suspected kidnappers following a fierce gun battle with operatives in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Police spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, October 6, 2025. He said the operation, which also led to the recovery of dangerous weapons, was carried out by the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) on the directive of the State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.

Recovered items include an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 43 rounds of live ammunition, a pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.

According to Edafe, the operation was launched following several reports of kidnappings and armed robbery incidents around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli. The team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, extended its intelligence-driven manhunt to Rivers and Imo States, where two key suspects — Abubakar Musa, 28, from Kwara State, and Yusuf Sale, 25, from Bauchi State — were arrested on October 2 and 4, respectively.

During interrogation, the suspects led police operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North, where a cache of weapons was uncovered. However, as the team exited the area, they came under ambush by other gang members 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 statement read.

The wounded suspects were later confirmed dead at the hospital.

Edafe confirmed that the recovered arms are in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

In a related development, the Command’s Anti-Cult Unit arrested 12 suspected cultists in Jesse, Ethiope West Local Government Area, following intelligence reports of planned rival attacks.

The suspects, including 20-year-old Mudiaga Obey, were arrested on October 5, 2025, during a raid on a hideout along Sylvester Street, Jesse, where one Beretta pistol and a live round of ammunition were recovered.

The police spokesman assured residents that the Command remains committed to flushing out kidnappers, cultists, and other violent criminals across the state.

“The Command will not relent in its efforts to rid Delta of kidnappers, cultists, and other criminal elements. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies,” Edafe said.