The Delta State Police Command has announced fresh breakthroughs in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking, following a series of intelligence-led operations that led to multiple arrests and the recovery of assault rifles, ammunition and a suspected operational vehicle.

According to the Command’s spokesman, Bright Edafe, operatives of the Command’s tactical team based in Ughelli carried out the operations between April 23 and April 24, 2026, targeting criminal networks believed to be operating within and beyond Delta State.

Edafe disclosed that on April 24 at about 6:30 p.m., police operatives acting on credible intelligence arrested one Ahmadu Usman, 22, said to be a native of Lafia, at the Ekuigbo area of Ughelli.

He said the suspect was arrested in connection with a kidnapping syndicate allegedly responsible for terrorising commuters along the Ughelli–Warri Road, a major highway frequently used by travelers and commercial transport operators.

The police spokesman added that further interrogation of the suspect led officers to another location at Trailer Park along the Warri–Sapele Road, where Haruna Abdullahi, 37, was arrested.

During the operation, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition. Both suspects are currently in police custody, while investigations continue.

In a separate but related operation carried out on April 23, the tactical team reportedly arrested another suspect in Ughelli over alleged involvement in an inter-state gun-running and kidnapping network.

The suspect was said to have been apprehended alongside Haruna Jibrin, 30, a native of Wase, who investigators alleged was assigned to facilitate the transportation of arms from Ughelli to Port Harcourt.

Police further revealed that follow-up operations on April 24 extended into Rivers State, where another suspected accomplice, Isiyaku Adamu, 38, was arrested.

Authorities said the AK-47 rifle intended for transport was recovered during the operation, alongside a blue Toyota Corolla allegedly used by the syndicate.

The Command noted that investigations are still ongoing to uncover the full scope of the network, identify other collaborators and determine possible links to kidnapping incidents across state lines.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, reaffirmed the Command’s zero tolerance for kidnapping and illegal arms trafficking.

He assured residents of sustained intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal cells, restoring confidence on highways and improving public safety across the state.