The Police Command in Delta State on Wednesday shot dead two suspected kidnappers during a fierce gun duel along Warri-Sapele road by Aziza junction, and rescued a couple abducted by the suspected kidnappers.
According to a statement by the police on Wednesday, signed by the police Spokesman, DSP Bright Edafe, CSP Aliyu Shaba led operatives from Ovwian Aladja division and embarked on a confidence building proactive patrol along DSC/Effurrun road.
“On 31/5/2023, at about 0120hrs, CSP Aliyu Shaba led operatives from Ovwian Aladja division and embarked on a confidence building proactive patrol along DSC/Effurrun road.
“During the patrol, the DPO received a distress call that a man and his wife (name withheld) were kidnapped and their Lexus Jeep (registration number withheld) was taken also. The DPO swiftly trailed the escape route of the suspected kidnappers and eventually intercepted the vehicle along Warri-Sapele road by Aziza junction.
“On sighting the police, the suspects opened fire on the team in a bid to escape and the police professionally responded, neutralizing two of the suspects in the process, while the other suspects abandoned the kidnapped couples in the vehicle and escaped.
“The victims were rescued unhurt. One AK47 rifle with breach number 16869, forty-six rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, one pump action gun, and thirteen live cartridges were recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing”.
The Commissioner of police, CP Wale Abass, while expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the successful operation, admonished other DPOs to sanitize their areas as well, directing DPOs and Tactical Commanders to step up their game and be ahead of these criminals in order to get them completely flushed out of the state.
Mr Abass said “As part of strategies emplaced by the command to check the activities of kidnappers and armed robbers in Warri, Ughelli and other parts of the state and nip it at the bud, the command under his watch will force criminals to relocate or steer clear from crime”.
The CP also advised parents and community leaders to talk to their youths/wards not to take up arms in order to make a living because they will eventually meet a disastrous end.
