By Imisioluwa Afunmiso
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have neutralized two suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims during a coordinated operation carried out in the early hours of Thursday.
The operation, led by the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, was executed by the Command’s Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber-Crime Squad in collaboration with military personnel. Acting on intelligence regarding recent kidnappings in Ibusa and the Enu-Ani Mega City axis of Ogwashi-Uku, operatives trailed the suspects to a hideout along the Obulu-Uku Power Line at approximately 12:40 a.m.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the suspects opened fire upon sighting the security team, triggering a gun battle.
“The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the rescue of two female victims, while two members of the kidnapping syndicate sustained fatal injuries,” the statement confirmed.
Items recovered at the scene include an AK-47 rifle, 19 rounds of live ammunition, and N4.2 million suspected to be part of a ransom collected from victims. The injured suspects were taken to a hospital, where they were later pronounced dead.
A combing operation is currently ongoing in the surrounding bushes to track down fleeing gang members and recover more weapons. CP Oyeniyi praised the synergy between the police and the military, describing inter-agency collaboration as crucial to tackling violent crime.
He further reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to safety and urged the public to provide timely information to assist security efforts.