NIGERIA – A kidnap suspects has met his Waterloo in the hands of operatives of the Delta State Police Command in Ughelli during a fierce crossfire.
Police image-maker of the command, Bright Edafe, a superintendent of police, on Monday said operatives had been on the trail of the kidnap kingpin before he met his end on May 16, 2024.
He gave the name of the suspect as Joel Joseph, a native of Ekakpamre Community in Ughelli North LGA Delta State.
He said: “The special squad deployed by CP Olufemi Abaniwonda to Ughelli North LGA has been embarking on an intelligence-led policing strategy that has been paying off leading to the arrest of over nine suspected kidnappers and recovery of firearms.
“The team again recorded another major achievement on 16/5/2024 at about 0200hrs, when they stormed Inene Community in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, on the trail of the leader of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate known as Joel Joseph, who is a native of Ekakpamre Community in Ughelli North LGA Delta State.
“The Suspect upon sighting the operatives opened fire on the operatives, and in the ensuing gun duel, the suspect sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the General Hospital Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment.
“One AK47 Rifle loaded with ten (10) rounds of Live Ammunition was recovered from him.
“Efforts are being intensified to arrest other gang members as contained in the intel.”
CrimesChroniclers reports that Ughelli axis has remained a flashpoint for criminal activities of armed robbers, cultists and kidnappers.
To stem the tide of criminality, CP Abaniwonda had deployed tactical cops to the area to mount a constant surveillance, but to the anger of some residents who claimed the policemen engaged in extortion and repression of transporters and innocent citizens.
Some protesters had approached the Ughelli Police Command requesting the withdrawal of police operatives mounting surveillance in the area from the roads, with the allegations on May 6.
A fracas ensued as police reportedly fired shots at the protesters most of whom were women with casualties recorded on the side of the police and the protesters.
