ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Police Command has dealt a decisive blow to a suspected kidnapping syndicate in Issele-Uku, rescuing three abducted victims, arresting a suspect, and recovering an AK-47 rifle after a fierce gun battle in the forest.
The Command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement, said the operation followed a distress report received at the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026, prompting an immediate tactical response by security operatives.
According to the police, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes and hunters, led a coordinated search-and-rescue mission into identified criminal hideouts within the surrounding bush.
The operation soon escalated into a gun duel as the operatives confronted members of the kidnapping gang. In the ensuing exchange of fire, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the three kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and safely reunited with their families.
Police further disclosed that sustained combing of the forest led to the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, identified as Ahmadu Hassan, 22, from Kange Village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The suspect, who sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter, was apprehended at the scene.
A search of the area also yielded one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition, believed to have been used by the fleeing gang members.
The Command confirmed that another member of the gang, who suffered gunshot wounds during the exchange, later died, with his remains deposited at a mortuary. The arrested suspect is currently receiving treatment under police custody, while manhunt operations are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the bravery and coordinated efforts of the operatives and supporting security outfits, describing the operation as a testament to the Command’s resolve to rid the state of violent criminals.
He urged residents to sustain their cooperation with the police by providing timely and credible information, assuring that the Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property across Delta State.
