The Delta State Police Command has announced that its operatives killed four kidnap suspects, during a fierce gun battle.
It was learned that an AK-47 rifle with a magazine was recovered during the operation.
In a press release issued on Monday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, stated that the kidnap suspects were rushed to Ughelli General Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead by medical personnel.
He confirmed that their bodies have been deposited in the hospital’s morgue, while efforts to track down other fleeing gang members are ongoing.
Edafe, detailing the recent successes recorded by the command, highlighted the collaborative efforts of operatives and the public in curbing criminal activities.
He also announced the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of firearms in separate operations across the state.
He said: “On March 9, 2025, operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team arrested a suspect attempting to purchase AK-47 ammunition.
“During interrogation, the suspect revealed the location of a hidden AK-47 rifle. Acting on this information, the team stormed a bush along the railway line in Agbarho, where they encountered a gang of suspected kidnappers.
“A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in serious injuries to four suspects. One AK-47 rifle with a magazine was recovered. The injured suspects were rushed to Ughelli General Hospital but were later pronounced dead by medical personnel.
“Their bodies have been deposited in the hospital’s morgue, while efforts to track down fleeing gang members continue.
“Also, on March 12, 2025, an indigene of Ibusa reported to the Ibusa Police Station that his friend’s wife had been kidnapped on March 7. The informant disclosed that he had delivered ransom payments and food items to the kidnappers.
“Acting on this information, the divisional police officer of Ibusa mobilized a team of officers and vigilantes, leading to the arrest of a suspect, Abdulahi Isah, in a bush. The suspect is currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing.
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“Similarly, in a separate operation on March 13, 2025, operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team conducted a sting operation in the Agbogidi area of Warri South Local Government Area.
“They arrested Gideon Sunday, 34, and Godstime Solomon, 27, who were riding a tricycle. A search of the vehicle revealed a locally made cut-to-size gun loaded with two live cartridges, concealed in the engine compartment.
“Later that day, operatives arrested Junior Moses, 30, in Warri, recovering another locally made gun and two live cartridges. Acting on confessions from the suspects, the team extended their operation to Sapele, where they arrested Great Odiete, 28, and recovered a fabricated Beretta pistol.
“The suspects confessed to being members of the Supreme Vikings Confraternity, a notorious cult group. All suspects and exhibits are in custody, with investigations ongoing.”
The Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, commended the proactive efforts of the officers of the command, and the cooperation of the public, noting that these collaborative efforts are gradually reducing crime to its barest minimum in Delta State.
SP Edafe Bright reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents, urging the public to continue providing timely and useful information to aid in the fight against crime.