The Delta State Police Command has announced the death of five suspected kidnappers during an operation targeting criminal hideouts across parts of Delta and Anambra states.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Asaba, the Delta State capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the operatives acted based on credible intelligence, leading them to a criminal base in the Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State.
“During the raid, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle along with 132 rounds of live ammunition,” Edafe disclosed.
Following the successful operation, the investigation was extended to another location between Issele-Asagba and Otulu in Delta State. According to Edafe, the police encountered further resistance.
“Our men stormed another hideout where one Bellow Abubakar and his gang were lying in ambush,” he explained. “Upon sighting the police team, the suspects opened fire. However, our operatives, anticipating the confrontation, responded decisively.”
He noted that while some gang members fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, five suspects, including Bellow Abubakar, sustained severe injuries and were apprehended. They were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead.
Additional weapons were also recovered during the operation. “Two more AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were retrieved at the scene,” Edafe added.
The police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects believed to be injured during the gun battle.
Efforts, he said, would continue until the criminal elements terrorizing communities such as Ubulu-Uku, Issele-Uku, and Issele-Asagba are fully apprehended.
