The Delta State Special Assignment Team, (CP-SAT) based in Ughelli North has uncovered a gun run cartel in an intelligence operation as assorted guns were recovered in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The CP-SAT Team led by ASP Julius Robinson, during the operation bursted the cartel at different locations within Ughelli local government area as suspects linked to the cartel were arrested.
The breakthrough was made by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola while briefing newsmen at the Delta State Police Command, Asaba.
According to CP Aina Adesola, “The Delta State Police Command, through the operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), recorded major operational successes against kidnapping, violent crime, and illegal arms trafficking.
“Acting on credible intelligence on the activities of a notorious inter-state kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate terrorizing parts of Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, the Officer-in-Charge of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) activated a series of sustained, intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling the criminal network.
“At about 1801 hours on 2 January 2026, the suspect again guided operatives to another hidden arms dump located between the Ughelli–Warri axis at Uvwiamuge Forest, where one (1) K2 rifle, Forty-nine (49) rounds of live ammunition, three (3) K2 magazines, one (1) pump-action gun, and thirty-two (32) live cartridges. The suspect is in custody, and investigation is ongoing.
“Sequel to intelligence received by operatives of CP Special assignment team, the team on 6th January 2026 stormed Ohoror community along ughelli patani road, where some suspected kidnappers were sighted, the suspects upon sighting the police opened fire, and in the ensuing gun duel one of them was hit and sustained serious gunshot injuries. Upon searching the area, one K-2 rifle, two locally made guns, live ammunition and cartridges concealed in a bag were recovered.
“The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he was confirmed dead by the doctor duty. Manhunt for the fleeing suspect is ongoing.
“In another operation, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), acting on credible intelligence, successfully carried out a sting operation at about 1915 hours on 3rd January 2026 at the Ovieta street area of Ughelli town, leading to the arrest of three (3) suspects involved in an illegal arms transaction.
“The suspects arrested are Areuro Oke (male, 38 years), identified as the intended buyer of a pump-action gun; Onos Echabor (male, 47 years), identified as the middleman in the transaction; and Akpofure Emmanuel (male, 45 years). All suspects are residents of Ughelli North and Ughelli South Local Government Areas of Delta State. Recovered during the operation were one (1) pump-action gun and the sum of ₦280,000 (Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira), being part payment for the illegal arms deal. Investigation is ongoing.”
The Delta State Police Commissioner further assured that the Command under his leadership reassures members of the public of their unwavering commitment to combating kidnapping, violent crime, proliferation of illegal firearms and other vices within the state.
