Operatives of the Delta State Police Command’s CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by Julius Robinson, have raided a suspected kidnappers’ and armed robbers’ hideout in Uduere Community, Ughelli North Local Government Area, recovering an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun and 55 rounds of live ammunition.
The operation, carried out at about 9 p.m. on October 4, 2026, followed credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers operating in the area.
According to the police source, the suspects opened fire on the operatives on sighting them, leading to an exchange of gunfire. Unable to withstand the operatives, the suspects fled the hideout.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 55 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun and seven live cartridges.
Other items recovered were a knife, a cutlass and a mobile phone.
The command said a manhunt had been launched for the fleeing suspects.
In a separate operation, operatives of the Quick Response Squad (QRS) arrested three suspected members of the Black Axe confraternity in Kokori, Ethiope East Local Government Area.
The suspects, identified as Uzubu Ufuoma, 33; Solomon Ovie, 27; and Remember Emuere, 31, were arrested at about 12:45 a.m. on October 5, 2026, following credible intelligence on suspected cult activities in the community.
The operatives stormed a location along Ekrakra Road, Kokori, where suspected members of the group were allegedly holding a meeting. The suspects reportedly fled in different directions on sighting the police, but three were apprehended.
During investigation, the suspects allegedly led the operatives to an abandoned building at Okodjerhe Village, Kokori, where an automatic pump-action gun allegedly belonging to the group was recovered.
The three suspects remain in police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the group.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, warned kidnappers, armed robbers and cultists that the command would continue to identify their hideouts, disrupt their activities and bring them to justice.
Erale urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly provide the police with credible information on suspicious persons and activities in their communities.
