Operatives of Delta State Police Command have cracked down in a gang of four suspected kidnappers in Ughelli, Ughelli South local government area of the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer. (PPRO), Bright Edafe, a Superintendent of Police, while confirming the incident, said the onslaught followed credible information gathered over a period, and technical intelligence related to the kidnapping of one male victim (name withheld) kidnapped on 17th May, 2024 at his residence in Adjakota area In Ughelli south LGA of Delta State.
The victim was later murdered by the kidnappers after his abduction.
One of the gang members was killed when his other members engaged the police in gun battle.
Edafe said the suspect who was hiding in the bush sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital where he later gave up the ghost while receiving treatment.
“The operatives, led by ASP Julius Robinson cracked down the deadly kidnapping syndicate responsible for the act on 01/07/2024 at about 1200hrs and arrested one Ismaila Umaru 28yrs ‘m’ of Kekura Village In Awe LGA of Nasarawa state but resident at Oghara town by Power Line, Delta State.
“On 04/07/2024 at about 2030hrs the suspect led operatives to the arrest of two other gang members namely Chede Mohammed ‘m’ 18yrs, a native of Nasarawa State but resident of Agwara in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State, and Mohammadu Sani ‘m’ 26yrs, a native of Banbiru area of Abuja but resident at Upper Agbarho Area of Ughelli North.
“Acting on their confession at about 0530hrs of 05/07/2024, the operative stormed the bush by Oviri-ogor where one AK 49 rifle was recovered in the hideout,”
According to the Delta State police spokesman, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, reacted to the incessant kidnapping in Ughelli axis, which necessitated the change in the security architecture in the area, and deployed a new Divisional Police Officer to the Ugheli Division.
“The CP also directed the deployment of a special operations team to Ughelli led by ASP Julius Robisnson with a clear mandate to flush out kidnapers in the area.
“This proactive measure taken by the CP has been paying off and is still paying off,” Edafe stated.