Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have foiled a kidnapping operation and rescued an abducted victim in the process.
The operatives, who were attached to the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU) alongside a patrol team from Sapele Division on 6th August, 2022, were said to have embarked on a special duty when they intercepted three suspected kidnappers in a Toyota Camry.
It was gathered that the suspects, in a bid to escape, refused to stop for a search instead they drove against traffic along Okirigwe road, Sapele but were given a hot chase by the Policemen until they got to a dead end.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday, said the suspects jumped from the vehicle and escaped through a crowded place.
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“The Policemen professionally did not open fire as the reason while they were running has not been established and did not want to hurt innocent persons in the process.
“When the team got to the abandoned vehicle, they saw a victim (name withheld) tied inside the car who was kidnapped by the suspects. He was rescued unhurt and has since reunited with his family.
“Exhibits recovered includes, one locally made short gun, one cutlass and their operational vehicle which is suspected to have been stolen. Effort to arrest the fleeing suspects is ongoing,” Edafe added.
Meanwhile, Anti-Crime Patrol team attached to ‘A’ Division Warri on 5th August 2022 killed a suspected armed robber.
The deceased and two other members of his gang had engaged the policemen in a gun battle after they attempted to escape in a tricycle.
“On 05/08/2022, at about 1715hrs, Anti crime patrol attached to ‘A’ Division Warri were on Stop and search duty at Iyara road when they intercepted a tricycle with three male occupants.
“The suspects surprisingly reversed the tricycle and sped off, the team upon suspicion went after them till they got to chevron Clinic road in Warri. The hoodlums opened fire on the Policemen and the team equally responded.
“In the process, one of the Suspects was maimed while others escaped. The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment.
“One locally made cut-to-size gun with six live cartridges and two expanded cartridges were recovered. Serious manhunt for the other members of the gang is ongoing,” Edafe said.
The Commissioner of Police, Ari Mohammed Ali while appreciating the efforts of Deltans in the fight against crime and criminality, urged residents to be patient especially when they encounter Policemen on the road performing stop and search duty.
He noted that Stop and search is one of the proactive ways in combating crime and nipping it at the bud.
“The CP assures all residents in the State that the Command remains committed in carrying out its core mandate which is the protection of life and property,” Edafe added.
