Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Police Command have successfully neutralized five suspected kidnappers, including their leader, Bellow Abubakar, in a joint operation in the Issele-Asagba/Otulu forest.
The suspects had been terrorizing communities such as Ubulu-Uku, Issele-Uku, and Issele-Asagba.
Acting on intelligence, the police operatives launched a raid on one of the gang’s hideouts in the Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State, recovering one AK-47 rifle and 132 rounds of live ammunition.
Further investigation led the police to another hideout in the Issele-Asagba/Otulu forest, where the suspects were waiting in ambush.
A fierce gun battle ensued when the suspects attacked the police operatives, who responded with force. The suspects were overpowered, and five of them, including Abubakar, were fatally wounded and later confirmed dead at the hospital.
The police recovered two additional AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the scene and a manhunt is ongoing for other injured suspects who fled the area.
The Delta State Police Command’s swift action has brought relief to the affected communities, and the operation demonstrates the command’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the state.
