Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have gunned down two suspected kidnappers near Warri after a fierce gun battle.
The deceased kidnap suspects were part of the kidnapping gang that abducted a man and his wife (name withheld) along with their Lexus jeep (registration number withheld) on Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, in a statement, said the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) for Ovwian Aladja Division, CSP Aliyu Shaba and his men were on a confidence-building proactive patrol along DSC/Effurrun road when he received a distress call that the couple has been kidnapped.
“The DPO swiftly trailed the escape route of the suspected kidnappers and eventually intercepted the vehicle along Warri-Sapele road by Aziza junction.
“On sighting the police, the suspects opened fire on the team in a bid to escape, and the police professionally responded, neutralizing two of the suspects in the process, while the other suspects abandoned the kidnapped couples in the vehicle and escaped.
“The victims were rescued unhurt. One AK47 rifle with breach number 16869, forty-six rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, one pump action gun, and thirteen live cartridges were recovered. The manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.
“The state Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, while expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the successful operation, admonished other DPO’s to sanitize their areas as well. He noted that the command under his watch will force criminals to relocate or steer clear of crime.
“The CP also advised parents and community leaders to talk to their youths/wards not to take up arms in order to make a living because they will eventually meet a disastrous end,” said the police image-maker.
