Four suspected kidnappers were neutralized in a joint operation carried out by the police, local hunters, and anti-cult volunteers near the railway area of Abraka in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi, revealed that the operation took place at approximately 3 a.m. yesterday. During the operation, five firearms were recovered from the suspects.
The development comes in the wake of a protest by residents of the university town on Monday, decrying the rising incidents of kidnappings and armed robberies in the area.
Describing the incident as “a significant breakthrough,” the police stated that the operation was based on credible intelligence about the suspects’ activities.
Additionally, during preliminary investigations, a recent kidnapping victim identified one of the deceased as the leader of the gang responsible for his abduction.
“During the operation, joint operatives comprising the Police, hunters, vigilantes and anti-cult volunteers engaged the suspected kidnappers and recovered one AK-47 rifle, along with thirteen rounds of live ammunition.
During the gun duel, four of the suspected kidnappers were shot and later gave up the ghost while others escaped with gunshot injuries,” a part of the statement read.
Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi commended the operatives for their successful operation and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against criminal activities in the state.