Dare Babalola
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims during a coordinated operation in the state.
The operation, which involved the Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cybercrime Squad in collaboration with the military, was carried out on April 9, 2026, at about 12:40 a.m. at a hideout along Obulu-Uku Power Line.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operation followed intelligence gathered after reported kidnapping incidents in Ibusa and Enu-Ani Mega City, Ogwashi-Uku.
Edafe explained that the operatives trailed the suspects to their hideout, where a gun battle ensued after the criminals opened fire on sighting the security team.
“On sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, leading to a gun duel. The operatives responded professionally, resulting in the rescue of two female victims, while two members of the kidnapping syndicate were fatally wounded,” the statement said.
He added that a cache of weapons and ransom money was recovered from the scene.
“Recovered from the scene were one AK-47 rifle, nineteen (19) rounds of AK-47 ammunition, and four million, two hundred thousand naira (#4,200,000) suspected to be part of the ransom collected from victims,” Edafe stated.
The police also disclosed that a combing operation of the surrounding bushes was ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang and recover additional arms.
The injured suspects were reportedly taken to a medical facility where they were confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
Commending the operation, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the operatives for their professionalism and the role of inter-agency collaboration in achieving the outcome.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commends the bravery and professionalism of the operatives and the support of the military, noting that such inter-agency collaboration remains critical in tackling violent crimes,” the statement noted.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining its crackdown on kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state, while urging residents to support security efforts by providing timely and credible information.
“The Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and urges members of the public to continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police,” he added.
