As part of efforts to get rid of criminal elements in Delta State, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in the State have killed two suspected kidnappers along Warri-Sapele road by Aziza junction and rescued some kidnapped victims.
The two dead kidnappers and their colleagues, who are currently at large, were said to have engaged the police officers in a fierce gun duel after they were intercepted by the police officers.
A statement by the State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe said the feat was recorded in the wee hours of Wednesday.
He noted that AK47 rifle with breach number 16869, forty-six rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, one pump action gun, and thirteen live cartridges were recovered while adding that a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is on.
“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.
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“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,” DSP Edafe stated.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass expressed satisfaction with the officers over the successful operation.
The Commissioner admonished other DPO’s to sanitize their areas as well while noting that the command under his watch will force criminals to relocate or steer clear from crime.
CP Abass also tasked parents and community leaders to talk to their youths/wards not to take up arms and indulge in criminal activities, saying all criminal elements will eventually be brought to book.
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