DELTA POLICE FOIL KIDNAPPING: ONE SUSPECT KILLED, THREE VICTIMS RESCUED

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By: Muftau Fatimo

The Delta State Police Command has struck a major blow against violent crime by dismantling a kidnap syndicate and rescuing three victims from a forest hideout near Issele-Uku.

The operation, which also resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, was launched following a kidnapping report received by the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026.

In a statement to journalists on Wednesday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe said:
“Following the report, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, swiftly organised and executed a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing suspected hideouts in the surrounding bush.”

Edafe added that the mission led to a fierce exchange of gunfire between security forces and the kidnappers. “During the encounter, one suspect was fatally shot, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been safely reunited with their families,” he said.

The spokesman disclosed that continued combing of the surrounding forest led to the arrest of one Ahmadu Hassan (m), aged 22, of Kange Village, Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, who sustained gunshot injuries during the operation.

“A further search of the area led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition,” Edafe added.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, “one of the suspected kidnappers, who sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire, was later confirmed dead, and the body has been deposited in a mortuary.” The injured suspect is receiving medical treatment in police custody, while efforts continue to track down and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Meanwhile, State Commissioner of Police CP Aina Adesola praised “the gallantry and coordination demonstrated by operatives and partner security agencies” and reaffirmed the Command’s “unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state.”

CP Adesola also urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support the police in their fight against crime.