The Delta State Police Command have arrested five suspected armed robbers and kidnappers and recovered two firearms and live cartridges in separate intelligence-led operations in Ughelli North and Ika South Local Government Areas of the state.

The command disclosed this in a statement, saying operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) and the Special Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) carried out the operations between October 15 and 16, 2026.

In the first operation, CP-SAT operatives on October 16 raided Ujode Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area following intelligence on the activities of a suspected armed robbery syndicate operating in the area.

The operation led to the arrest of 29-year-old Thankgod Ejakpomewhe, while a locally made long gun and one live cartridge were recovered from him.

According to the police, other suspected members of the syndicate fled during the operation, with efforts ongoing to apprehend them.

In a separate operation on October 15, operatives of SAKU, Ubuluku, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Alisimen Community, Ika South Local Government Area.

Four suspects were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Okwunzuwa Rubben, 28; John Onyeka, 42; Uzoma Ifeyinwa, 20; and Osas Atoe, 22.

The police said a firearm described in the statement as a double-barrelled pump-action gun was recovered, alongside a laptop, six mobile phones, a camouflage cap and jacket.

A further search of the suspects’ residence also led to the recovery of five live cartridges.

The command said investigations into the two operations are ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, commended the operatives for their diligence and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and curbing the unlawful circulation of firearms.

Erale warned criminal elements to desist from their activities or face decisive action within the law, while urging residents to continue providing the police with credible information to support ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.