The Delta State Police Command has engaged four suspected kidnappers, one dead during the gun duel, three arrested and one AK-49 rifle recovered.
This was made known in a statement released on Saturday and signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, which read: ”CP Abaniwona Olufemi on resumption of duty as the 22nd commissioner of Police Delta State reacted to the incessant kidnapping in Ughelli axis, which necessitated the change in the security architecture in Ughelli, and deployed a new divisional Police officer to Ugheli Division.
“The CP also directed the deployment of a special operations team to Ughelli led by ASP Julius Robinson with a clear mandate to flush out kidnappers in the area. This proactive measure taken by the CP has been paying off and is still paying off as the special team has again cracked down a gang of four suspected kidnappers in Ughelli.
“Acting on credible intelligence gathered over a period and an in-dept technical intelligence related to the kidnapping of one male victim (name withheld) kidnapped on 17th May 2024 at his resident in Adjakota area In Ughelli South LGA of Delta State and later murdered by the kidnappers.
“The operatives on special assignment led by ASP Julius Robinson cracked down the deadly kidnapping syndicate responsible for the act on 01/07/2024 at about 1200hrs and arrested one Ismaila Umaru 28yrs ‘m’ of Kekura Village in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State but resident at Oghara town by Power Line, Delta State.
“On 04/07/2024 at about 2030hrs the suspect led operatives to the arrest of two (2) other gang members namely Chede Mohammed ‘m’ 18yrs a native of Nasarawa State but resident of Agwara in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State and Mohammadu Sani ‘m’ 26yrs a native of Banbiru area of Abuja but resident at Upper Agbarho Area of Ughelli North.
“Acting on their confession at about 0530hrs of 05/07/2024, the operative stormed the bush by Oviri-ogor where the operatives encountered an attack from other gang members where one of the suspect hiding in the bush sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment. One AK-49 rifle recovered in the hideout and investigation is ongoing.”
