There was intense drama in the early hours of Thursday, April 9, 2026, when operatives of the Nigeria Police Force clashed with suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, rescuing two victims and recovering millions of naira believed to be ransom.
The operation, carried out by the Delta State Police Command under Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi, has been hailed as a significant breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in the state.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the raid was based on credible intelligence and carried out in collaboration with the military. At about 12:40 a.m., operatives of the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad stormed a suspected hideout along the Obulu-Uku power line after reports of recent kidnappings in Ibusa and Enu-Ani Mega City, Ogwashi-Uku.
According to the police, the suspects immediately opened fire on sighting the operatives, leading to a gun duel. However, the officers responded decisively and professionally.
At the end of the operation, two suspected kidnappers were neutralised, while two female victims were rescued unharmed. The injured suspects were later confirmed dead at the hospital.
Items recovered at the scene included an AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of live ammunition, and ₦4.2 million suspected to be ransom proceeds. Security operatives have since launched a manhunt in nearby bushes to track down other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
CP Oyeniyi commended the courage of the officers involved and stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies in tackling violent crime.
He also reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, maintaining pressure on criminal elements, and responding swiftly to threats.
The police further urged members of the public to continue providing timely and reliable information, noting that intelligence sharing remains key to successful operations.
