A combined team of police and hunters have killed four suspected kidnappers at Abraka in Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
Incidents of kidnapping have been on the rise in Abraka, leading to residents of the area taking to the streets in protest over the heightening situation, which is affecting the socio-economic life of the people.
The major breakthrough, according to the spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, followed “a coordinated intelligence-led joint operation of the Abraka police patrol team and Local hunters and member of Anti-Cult volunteers”, which resulted in the death of four suspected kidnappers and the recovery of firearms.
The police image maker said the joint operation was carried out today, June 4, “following credible intelligence on the activities of suspected kidnappers along the Abraka Railway axis.
“During the operation, joint operatives comprising of the Police, hunters, vigilante and anti-cult volunteers engaged the suspected kidnappers and recovered one AK-47 rifle, along with thirteen rounds of live ammunition. During the gun duel, four of the suspected kidnappers were shot and later gave up the ghost while others escaped with gunshot injuries.
“During a preliminary investigation, a recently rescued kidnapped victim identified one of the deceased suspects as a leader of the gang that kidnapped him.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, praised the courage of the police operatives, hunters, vigilante and Anti-cult volunteers and admonished them to sustain the tempo.
“The Commissioner assured that the Command remains committed to deepening community engagement and sustaining momentum against crime. Members of the public of the public are therefore advised to reach out to the command in cases of emergency through the control room phone numbers on 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.”