Three suspected kidnappers were killed in a shootout with operatives from the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command.
The police team, led by ASP Robinson Julius and deployed by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, was on a covert patrol along Ughelli-Patani Road on Tuesday when they stopped a shuttle bus at Ewhereni Junction.
When the suspects saw the police, they opened fire to escape, leading to a gun battle.
Three suspects were seriously injured and they later died in the hospital while some others escaped.
The police recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with 18 live rounds from the suspects.
In another operation, the CP-SAT team arrested suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists, and seized firearms and ammunition.
On May 24, the team arrested Ifeanyi Okolie, aka “BLACK JESUS,” accused of robbing motorcycles and valuables in Asaba and nearby areas.
He led police to a bush where three homemade guns, four live bullets, and a suspected stolen motorcycle were found.
Three others connected to the case were arrested: Ogochukwu Emmanuel, Joseph Egwu, and Yakubu Yusuf.
Police also recovered a Beretta pistol from a suspect known as “NINO,” who is still at large.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, in a statement on Thursday, praised the CP-SAT team for their work.
Abaniwonda said, “These significant successes demonstrate the command’s resolute commitment to dismantling criminal networks and enhancing the safety and security of all residents across Delta State.
“I commend the operatives for their exemplary professionalism and dedication in executing the recent operations.”
The CP assured the public of continued vigilance and urged citizens to report suspicious activities through the police control numbers.
The police investigation is ongoing.
