The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the killing of two suspected kidnappers during a gun battle at Owa Ekei, Boji Boji Owa, in Ika North-East Local Government Area of the state.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Asaba.
According to him, the operation, which involved the police, local vigilantes, and men of Operation Delta Sweep, was launched after intelligence reports indicated the presence of kidnappers in the area.
“On September 17, 2025, at about 11 a.m., the DPO Owa-Oyibu received credible information that some kidnappers were sighted at Nniogbo Owa Ekei, Boji Boji Owa,” Edafe said.
“The DPO immediately mobilised a combined team of policemen, vigilantes, and two squads of Operation Delta Sweep. On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, but our men repelled the attack.”
He added that two of the suspects sustained serious gunshot wounds during the exchange and were rushed to Owa-Alero General Hospital, where they were later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and forty rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“The command remains committed to ridding Delta State of criminals. We urge residents to continue providing timely information that will help us in our operations,” Edafe stated.
Residents of Owa Ekei, Abavo, and nearby communities have in recent months raised alarm over a spike in kidnappings that forced many to abandon their farmlands. The police assured that efforts to track down the fleeing suspects are ongoing.
