Momoh Umar Momoh, Benin
The Delta State Police Command said it neutralized five suspected kidnappers during a gun duel in the State.
The Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSP Edafe Bright, disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen at the weekend.
Edafe said the suspects who sustained various degrees of bullet injuries during the gun duel were confirmed dead in the hospital.
He said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).
According to him, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment team on April 21, 2025, acting on intelligence relating to kidnapping in Ubuluku, isseluku, issele-Asagba and environs by one Bellow Abubakar and his gang members, the operatives stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra state.
“During the raid of the suspects hideout in the forest, the operatives recovered one Ak-47 rifle, one hundred and thirty-two rounds of live ammunitions.
“Investigation was extended to another of their hideouts in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, where the said Bellow Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in Ambush.
“The suspected kidnappers attacked the policemen in a fierce gun battle but the team who were aware of the battle ahead reciprocated in like manner.
“The suspects could not withstand the firepower of the operatives, as they ran in different directions with various degrees of bullet injuries.
“Five of the suspects including the said bellow Abubakar who could not escape due to severity of their injuries were taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead”, he said.
The Command’s image maker listed items recovered from the suspects in the forest to include two additional AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
He said manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.
