The Delta State Police Command has recovered an AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks following a gun encounter between police operatives and suspected criminals in Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on Saturday, October 31, 2026, when operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), working in collaboration with the Ughelli Vigilante, raided a suspected criminal hideout in a forest at Ekrerhavwe.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation was conducted at about 8:35 p.m. following credible intelligence received by the operatives.
The statement said the suspects opened fire upon sighting the security team, resulting in an exchange of gunfire during which two suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while others reportedly escaped into the forest.
The injured suspects were taken to a hospital, where they were subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks.
Confirming the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel E. Erale, psc, mnips, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to addressing kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police to support ongoing security operations and crime prevention efforts.
The police commissioner also disclosed that efforts were ongoing to locate and apprehend the suspects who fled during the encounter.
