Five suspected kidnappers have been killed, while three others were arrested during a special police operation in Delta State.
Multiple firearms, including an AK-47 rifle and a pump-action gun were recovered during the operation.
A statement issued on Wednesday by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Edafe Bright, said the operation was carried out by the CP Special Assignment Team (CP -SAT), following intelligence-led investigations into kidnapping and armed robbery activities in Ughelli North Local Government Area and surrounding areas.
He explained that the operation, led by ASP Julius Robinson, resulted in the arrest of a suspected kidnapping syndicate leader, Adamu Abubakar, also known as “Dogo,” at DSC Roundabout in Warri.
Abubakar’s arrest, the police said led to the capture of two other suspects, Abubakar Mohammed (“Chede”) and Mohammed Bello, at Otovwodo Park in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
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“Preliminary investigations linked the suspects to multiple kidnappings and robberies in Iyamuge, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and nearby communities.
“Acting on their confessions, the police recovered a cache of weapons hidden in Iyamugo Forest, including one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, three locally made guns, two magazines, 60 rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and 17 live cartridges.
“As the police exited the forest, armed gang members engaged them in a gun battle. Five suspects sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to the hospital, where they later died. Others managed to escape.
“The three arrested suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. The Delta State Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, commended the special team for their efforts in restoring security to the area,” the police said.
