By Okpere Sharon Omoye
Delta Police Kill Five (5) Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Weapons in Forest Raid
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed five suspected kidnappers during a fierce gun battle in the forests between Issele-Asagba and Otulu in Delta State.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday in Asaba, the state capital.
He said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates terrorizing communities including Ubulu-Uku, Issele-Uku, Issele-Asagba, and surrounding areas.
According to Edafe, police operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a hideout in the Agu-Amawbia forest in Anambra State, where they recovered an AK-47 rifle and 132 rounds of live ammunition.
Following further investigation, the team extended their operation to another hideout located between Issele-Asagba and Otulu.
There, the officers encountered a gang led by one Bello Abubakar, who had laid an ambush.
Edafe said that on sighting the operatives, the suspected kidnappers opened fire, prompting a fierce exchange.
However, the officers, anticipating the attack, engaged them with superior firepower.
“The suspects could not withstand the intensity of the police response and fled in different directions, many with gunshot wounds,” Edafe said.
Five of the suspects, including Bello Abubakar, were found critically wounded. They were rushed to the hospital but were confirmed dead on arrival.
The police also recovered two additional AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the scene. A manhunt is ongoing for other fleeing members of the gang, many of whom are believed to have sustained serious injuries.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining security across the state, urging residents to continue providing useful information to help flush out criminals from their hideouts.
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