By Reen Chidi
The Delta State Police Command has recovered an AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks following a gun battle with suspected kidnappers and armed robbers at a forest hideout in Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The operation, which was carried out on October 31, 2026, at about 8:35 p.m., involved operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), working in collaboration with the Ughelli Vigilante.
The police operatives reportedly stormed the suspected criminal hideout following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected criminal elements in the area.
However, on sighting the security operatives, the suspects allegedly opened fire, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the encounter, two of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while others reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest.
The injured suspects were subsequently evacuated to a hospital for medical attention but were later confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks, which are believed to be among the materials used by the suspected criminals.
Confirming the development in a press release issued on Sunday, November 1, 2026, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, said efforts were ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Police Reaffirm Commitment to Security
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, reaffirmed the command’s determination to sustain the fight against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across Delta State.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing criminal activities.
The police commissioner also reiterated the command’s resolve to ensure the safety of lives and property, assuring residents that operations against criminal elements would continue across the state.
The command called on members of the public to remain security-conscious and cooperate with the police in the collective effort to rid the state of criminal activities.
