Police eliminate five kidnap suspects in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the neutralisation of five individuals suspected of being members of a kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this to journalists in Warri on Wednesday.

Edafe explained that the suspects were eliminated on Friday during an exchange of gunfire with operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).

The encounter reportedly took place in the Uwiamughe forest, situated in Ughelli North Local Government Area.

According to Edafe, the operation was led by ASP Julius Robinson, following actionable intelligence.

“Acting on credible information, the police team tracked and arrested the leader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate at the DSC Roundabout in Warri.

“Subsequent interrogation of the suspect led to the arrest of two other individuals at Otovwodo Park in Ughelli,” he stated.

Edafe further revealed that preliminary investigations indicated the suspects were responsible for multiple cases of kidnapping and armed robbery in Uwiamughe, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and surrounding areas.

*”Based on their confessions, the suspects led police operatives to Uwiamughe forest, where they concealed their weapons.

“However, as they exited the forest, a group of armed individuals—believed to be members of the syndicate—opened fire on the police team, triggering a gunfight,”* he said.

During the exchange, five of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds, while others managed to flee.

“The injured suspects were taken to the hospital but later succumbed to their injuries during treatment,” Edafe added.

Items recovered from the suspects included: One AK-47 rifle; One pump-action shotgun; Three locally fabricated firearms; Two magazines; Sixty rounds of AK-47 live ammunition; Seventeen rounds of live cartridges.

Edafe confirmed that the three arrested suspects and the confiscated weapons remained in police custody.

He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.