Delta police arrest three suspects with AK-47, pump-action rifle

Delta State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of an armed syndicate and recovered a cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun.

The arrests were confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, who disclosed the development via his X account. He stated that the suspects are linked to criminal activities across Delta, Rivers, and parts of the South-East.

“The gang operates in Delta, Rivers State, and some parts of the East. One AK-47 rifle and one pump-action gun were recovered from them,” Edafe said. He added that an English pistol, another pump-action gun, and a locally made firearm were also recovered from a 53-year-old suspect, identified as Benjamin Benemor.

Edafe explained that the breakthrough began on May 16, 2025, at around 5:45 p.m., when operatives traced and arrested 21-year-old Idirisu Yakubu in Port Harcourt. Yakubu, originally from Kwara State, resides in the Elelenwo area of the Rivers State capital.

“Upon interrogation, on May 17, 2025, at about 1:20 p.m., he led operatives to the arrest of their gang leader and coordinator: Bello Amodu, 40, from Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State, but also a resident of Elelenwo, Port Harcourt,” Edafe said. “He is believed to be coordinating multiple syndicates across the South-South and South-East regions.”

Further investigations led to the arrest of another member, Umar Mohammed Beto, 38, from Tsamiya village in Bagudu LGA of Kebbi State. Beto resides in the Oil Mill area of Port Harcourt and is reportedly heading the Enugu axis of the network.

According to Edafe, the suspects took police operatives to a bush along Ughelli–Ozoro Road, where an AK-47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of live ammunition and a pump-action gun with seven cartridges were recovered.

The police say investigations are ongoing, with efforts to track down other members of the syndicate still underway.

Edafe urged residents of Delta State to remain alert and provide information that could help prevent or detect crime. Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, encouraged the public to work in collaboration with law enforcement to support community safety.