The Delta Police Command has successfully apprehended three suspected kidnappers while neutralizing another in a series of operations across the state. This announcement was made by the command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, during a press briefing in Warri on Saturday.
The arrests and subsequent neutralization stemmed from a coordinated effort by the police operatives who were deployed to Ughelli on a special assignment. The operations, which took place between Monday and Friday, also led to the recovery of an AK-49 rifle from the suspects.
SP Edafe provided a detailed account of the operations, crediting the police team led by ASP Julius Robinson with the successful apprehensions. He mentioned that the suspects were arrested at different locations, leveraging credible intelligence related to the kidnapping and subsequent murder of a male victim on May 17, 2024, in Adjakota, Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA).
On July 1, 2024, police operatives arrested one suspect in Oghara, Ethiope West LGA. This arrest was pivotal, as the suspect’s subsequent confession led to the capture of two other gang members on July 4, 2024, in Agwara and Agbarho communities, located in Ughelli South and Ughelli North respectively.
Acting on further intelligence provided by the suspects, the police team launched an operation on Friday in the Oviri-Ogor bush. This mission was met with resistance as the operatives encountered an attack from other gang members hiding in the area. In the ensuing gun battle, one of the hoodlums sustained gunshot injuries and was later taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.
The Delta Police Command’s efforts have been commended, highlighting the significance of the recovered AK-49 rifle in the ongoing investigation. The command assured the public that further investigations are underway to dismantle the remaining elements of the kidnapping syndicate and ensure the safety and security of residents in Delta State.
