Delta Police: AK-47 Ownership Under Investigation
The Delta State Police Command has clarified the circumstances surrounding the recovery of an AK-47 rifle in Uvwie Local Government Area, dismissing social media reports alleging that a suspect was arrested with the weapon during a political rally involving supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
The Command said the rifle was discovered during a search of premises near an old building in Orumarho community, Effurun, after police operatives rescued a man, identified as Collins Egbara, from an irate mob on September 18, 2026.
In a press release signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, the police explained that Egbara was beaten severely by the mob before officers intervened to rescue him and rushed him to a hospital for treatment.
The Command stressed that it had not established the man’s political affiliation, noting that he had yet to give a statement because of his medical condition.
The police clarification followed reports circulating on social media alleging the arrest of a suspect and recovery of an AK-47 rifle during a political rally in Uvwie, as well as claims of attempts to secure the suspect’s release.
Police Deploy Officers To Prevent Political Violence
According to the statement, the Command received intelligence on September 15, 2026, about a planned political rally and the possibility of a clash between APC and NDC supporters.
The police said efforts to contact the rally organisers were initially unsuccessful until September 17, when written notifications were received from both groups, less than 10 hours before the scheduled rally at Angle Park, Warri.
The organisers were advised against using the proposed convergence point, following which both groups reportedly went their separate ways.
However, at about 5:00 a.m. on September 18, the Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, ordered the deployment of officers to the proposed rally venue to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The Command disclosed that tension heightened during the rally, raising fears of a possible confrontation between supporters of the two political parties.
It said additional patrol teams were subsequently deployed under a show-of-force operation, which helped bring the situation under control.
Ownership Of Recovered Rifle Under Investigation
The police said the discovery of the AK-47 rifle occurred at about 11:30 a.m. when patrol teams on show-of-force duty noticed a group of irate youths mobbing Egbara near an old building in Orumarho community, Effurun.
The officers rescued him from the mob and conducted a search of the premises, leading to the discovery of the rifle.
The Command rejected claims that the weapon was voluntarily handed over to the police by some individuals, insisting that the circumstances surrounding its ownership, possession and recovery remain subjects of an ongoing investigation.
It further disclosed that Egbara remains in protective custody while receiving medical treatment, adding that his statement would be obtained once he is medically stable.
The police warned that if investigations establish that the suspect was connected to the rifle and found culpable, he would be charged to court.
CP Assures Of Impartial Investigation
CP Erale assured members of the public that the Command would not compromise the investigation, despite allegations circulating on social media.
He also urged media organisations to verify information through appropriate channels before publication, particularly on sensitive security matters capable of generating tension.
The Commissioner further called on political parties, supporters and campaign organisers to notify the police well ahead of rallies and other political activities to enable adequate security arrangements and prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The Command urged anyone with useful information that could assist the investigation to contact the Police Public Relations Office through 09155570008 or 09155570007.
The police statement underscores the security concerns surrounding political gatherings in the state, while the circumstances of the AK-47 recovery and any possible connection between the rescued man and the weapon remain subject to investigation.
