A coordinated anti-kidnapping operation by the Delta State Police Command has led to the death of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle with live ammunition in the Ubulu-Okiti forest axis of Delta State.
The operation, carried out in the early hours of May 18, 2026, involved operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) working alongside local security volunteers, following intelligence linked to ongoing investigations into recent kidnapping incidents across parts of Delta North.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the suspected gang has been linked to a string of kidnapping operations in Ubuluku, Ubulu-Okiti, Issele-Uku and neighbouring communities.
Police operatives reportedly traced the suspects to a forest hideout in the Ubulu-Okiti area, where they came under heavy gunfire from the gang members upon arrival.
The operatives responded with what the Command described as “superior firepower,” leading to the fatal injury of one suspect, while others escaped into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds.
Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, alongside suspected criminal charms believed to have been used by the gang.
The injured suspect was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
The police said a comprehensive manhunt and combing operation is ongoing across the forest and surrounding communities to track down fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons or exhibits.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the bravery and professionalism of the operatives involved in the operation.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven and community-based policing strategies aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving security across Delta State.
The police also appealed to residents to continue providing credible and timely information that could aid ongoing security operations.
