The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the killing of four suspected kidnappers in a coordinated security operation in Abraka, Delta State, amid growing tensions over allegations that police officers opened fire on protesters during a student demonstration.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Edafe Bright, announced that the suspects were neutralized during a gun battle, with an AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition recovered from the scene. He described the operation as a major breakthrough, attributing the success to actionable intelligence and a joint effort involving the police, local vigilante groups, and hunters.
“Four suspected kidnappers were gunned down during a shootout. One AK-47 and 30 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered. This success was made possible through collaboration between the police, vigilantes, and hunters,” Edafe said, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in tackling rising insecurity.
As public anxiety grows over safety in Abraka, SP Edafe dismissed widespread claims that kidnappings occur daily in the town. “When people say there’s kidnapping every day in Abraka, I laugh. Let us not wish insecurity upon ourselves. The reality does not match the exaggeration,” he remarked.
In the wake of a recent student-led protest that turned chaotic, the police also faced accusations of shooting demonstrators. SP Edafe strongly denied these claims, saying no evidence has emerged to substantiate the allegations. “They said protesters were shot, who exactly was shot? Where is the victim? What hospital is treating them? We have received no report, no name, no family member has come forward,” he said, insisting that no shots were fired at demonstrators by police.
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He further clarified that the protest lost its peaceful nature when some participants began obstructing roads and allegedly harassing motorists. “Blocking roads and attacking road users strips any protest of its peaceful status. Even the Student Union President withdrew when he saw things getting out of hand,” Edafe noted.
Responding to criticism about police presence on highways rather than in the forested areas where kidnappers are believed to operate, the PPRO offered a pointed reply. “If anyone thinks they can do a better job, the next police recruitment form is open. They are welcome to apply and request a posting to the forest,” he said.
He called for stronger collaboration between citizens and security agencies, urging residents to support law enforcement efforts by joining vigilante groups or providing vital information. “Policing is everyone’s business. This operation wasn’t carried out by the police alone-vigilantes and hunters played key roles. If people know where criminals are hiding, they should help by joining forces with us or sharing what they know.”
On claims that military personnel were involved in dispersing protesters, Edafe distanced the police from any such involvement. “I speak for the police, not the military. If the army was involved, that question should be directed to the military. The PPRO has no authority to speak on their behalf,” he stated.
SP Edafe also advised residents to use official police channels to report any cases of misconduct, such as extortion or delayed response. “If you experience extortion or poor service, reach out to us directly. Only when there’s no response should you escalate your complaint.”
As public debate over security and civil rights intensifies, the Delta State Police Command maintains that it remains committed to transparency, accountability, and community-driven policing, while urging residents to refrain from spreading unverified information that could incite panic or unrest.
