The Delta State Police Command has shot dead a suspected kidnapper and arrested three members of the gang in the Ughelli area of the state. The suspects were shot after a fierce gun duel with the State Commissioner of Police’s special operations team led by ASP Julius Robinson, with a clear mandate to flush out kidnappers in the area.
According to Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) SP Bright Edafe, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, upon resumption of duty as the 22nd Commissioner of Police, reacted to the incessant kidnappings in the Ughelli axis. This led to changes in the security architecture in Ughelli, including the deployment of a new Divisional Police Officer to the Ughelli Division.
“The CP also directed the deployment of a special operations team to Ughelli led by ASP Julius Robinson with a clear mandate to flush out kidnappers in the area. This proactive measure taken by the CP has been paying off and continues to do so as the special team has again cracked a gang of four suspected kidnappers in Ughelli,” said SP Bright Edafe.
Acting on credible intelligence related to the kidnapping of a male victim (name withheld) on May 17, 2024, in the Adjakota area of Ughelli South LGA, who was later murdered by the kidnappers, the special operations team led by ASP Julius Robinson cracked down on the deadly syndicate responsible for the act. On July 1, 2024, at about 12 am, they arrested Ismaila Umaru, 28, of Kekura Village in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State, who resides in Oghara town by Power Line, Delta State.
On July 4, 2024, at about 8:30 pm, the suspect led operatives to the arrest of two other gang members: Chede Mohammed, 18, a native of Nasarawa State, residing in Agwara, Ughelli South LGA, and Mohammadu Sani, 26, a native of Banbiru area of Abuja, residing in Upper Agbarho, Ughelli North.
“Acting on their confessions, at about 5:30 am on July 5, the operatives stormed the bush by Oviri-Ogor, where they encountered an attack from other gang members. One of the suspects hiding in the bush sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he died while receiving treatment. One AK-49 rifle was recovered in the hideout, and the investigation is ongoing,” added SP Bright Edafe.
