Delta Police smash kidnap syndicate, rescue victims, recover AK-47 after gun battle

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Delta State Police Command has announced a significant victory against kidnapping on Wednesday, rescuing three victims unharmed, arresting a suspect, and seizing an AK-47 rifle following a fierce shootout in Issele-Uku.

The operation stemmed from a kidnapping report received at the Issele-Uku Division on March 16.

SP Bright Edafe, Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, detailed the response in a statement: “The DPO, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing identified hideouts within the surrounding bush.”

The effort led to an intense gun battle with the syndicate.

One suspect was killed, and the three victims were freed without injuries, reuniting with their families.

Further searches in the bush resulted in the arrest of Ahmadu Hassan, a 22-year-old from Kange Village, Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, who had gunshot wounds.

Police recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with four live rounds.

Edafe noted, “Sustained combing of the surrounding bush led to the arrest of one Ahmadu Hassan (M), aged 22 years. A further search of the area resulted in the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle loaded with four (4) rounds of live ammunition.”

The deceased suspect’s body is in a mortuary, while Hassan receives treatment in police custody.

Investigations continue to hunt remaining fugitives.

Commissioner of Police CP Aina Adesola in the statement praised the teamwork, “He commended the gallantry and synergy displayed by the operatives and partner security outfits.

“He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the State and urged residents to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.”