Three suspected kidnappers die in gun duel with police
Abdullateef Fowewe
Three suspected kidnappers have reportedly died after engaging police operatives from the Ebrumede Division in a gun battle as others escaped from the crime scene.
Delta State Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed that the suspects who sustained severe gunshot wounds as a result of the superior firepower of the Police died in a hospital where they were rushed for medical treatment.
Edafe stated that police recovered four AK-47 rifles and an operational vehicle with registration number WWR-436-GZ from the suspects.
The statement said, ”The Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda immediately ordered water-tight deployment around Warri and environs as well as narrowing the roads and blockage of all exit points. It didn’t take long as Police operatives of Ebrumede Division, led by the DPO, CSP Iwok Ndifereke, strategically deployed and created an artificial hold-up at the DSC roundabout and sighted the vehicle as described with a matching registration number.
“On noticing the traffic and sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire on the team which the team equally responded professionally owing to the busy nature of the area.
“The hoodlums immediately abandoned the vehicle shattered with bullets and escaped with bullet injuries. Three AK-47 rifles and their an operational vehicle with registration no. WWR-436-GZ were recovered.”
However, Edafe said the state Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda was not satisfied with the escape of the suspects which prompted him to order the DPO of Ebrumede to hunt for the suspects and ensure the suspects were arrested.
“The CP not satisfied with their escape, directed that the DPO of Ebrumede should go all out and ensure the suspects were arrested and brought to book.
“Armed with available information and exhibit found in the abandoned vehicle, on October 3, 2024, the DPO of Ebrumede Division, CSP Iwok Ndifereke, led operatives to their hideout in Agbarho where the Police engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel and the policemen who were prepared for the battle ahead overpowered the hoodlums.
“Three of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped and another AK-47 rifle was also recovered. The suspects were taken to the Hospital where they were confirmed dead.
“Manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing,” the statement added.
However, Abaniwonda commended the effort and bravery of the DPO and his men displayed during the operation and urged other officers and men of the command to emulate them.
