Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an early morning operation in a forested area of the state.
The operation, carried out by the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) in collaboration with local security volunteers, took place on Monday around the Ubulu-Okiti forest axis following intelligence on the activities of a kidnapping syndicate operating across surrounding communities.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the suspects were tracked to their hideout during an intelligence-led operation targeting recent abductions in the area.
He explained that on arrival, officers came under heavy fire from the suspected criminals, prompting a swift response.
“The operatives were confronted by armed men who opened fire on them, but the team responded decisively with superior firepower,” the police spokesperson said.
During the exchange, one suspect sustained severe gunshot injuries while others reportedly escaped into the forest with varying degrees of wounds. Officers later recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of ammunition, along with items believed to be used for spiritual protection.
The injured suspect was taken to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead by a medical doctor.
Police authorities confirmed that a search-and-comb operation is ongoing in the surrounding forest to apprehend fleeing members of the gang and recover additional evidence linked to the group’s activities.
The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible intelligence to security agencies, assuring that efforts are ongoing to strengthen safety and curb kidnapping incidents across the state.
