Police Gun Down Suspected Kidnappers In Delta, Recover AK-47, Ammunition

TWO suspcted kidnappers have been killed in a fierce gun duel with police operatives in Delta State, leading to the recovery of sophisticated firearms, including an AK-47 rifle, pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, the operation followed a series of kidnapping and armed robbery cases reported around the Upper Agbarho axis of Ughelli and its environs.

Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) launched an intelligence-led operation to apprehend members of the notorious gang.

“Following credible intelligence, our operatives, led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested two suspects — 28-year-old Abubakar Musa from Kwara State and 25-year-old Yusuf Sale from Bauchi State — in Port Harcourt and Owerri, respectively,” SP Edafe stated.

He explained that during interrogation, the suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area, where the arms were concealed.

Recovered items include one AK-47 rifle with two magazines and forty-three rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.

However, as operatives were exiting the area, they were ambushed by other gang members attempting to rescue their colleagues. “Our men were attacked, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Two police operatives sustained injuries, while the suspects and their accomplices also suffered gunshot wounds,” the statement read.

The injured suspects were taken to hospital, where they later died while receiving treatment.

The wounded police officers are said to be responding to treatment, while a manhunt for the fleeing suspects continues.

SP Edafe reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to rid the state of violent criminals, saying: “The Delta State Police Command remains resolute in ensuring that criminals have no hiding place.

“We urge residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information that can aid ongoing investigations.”