The Delta State Police Command has neutralized five suspected kidnappers following a heated gunfight during raids on their hideouts.
In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bright Edafe, revealed that operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, acting on credible intelligence, raided one of the gang’s hideouts in Agu-Amawbia Forest, Anambra State, on April 21, 2025. During the operation, the officers recovered an AK-47 rifle and 132 rounds of live ammunition.
Extending their operation to another hideout located in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu, the police team encountered heavy resistance from the suspects, led by a notorious kingpin, Bellow Abubakar. A fierce gun battle ensued, but the operatives, anticipating the confrontation, responded with superior firepower.
Overwhelmed, the kidnappers fled in various directions, many sustaining serious gunshot wounds. Five suspects, including Abubakar, were captured and rushed to a nearby hospital where they were later confirmed dead.
The operation also led to the recovery of two additional AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. Edafe added that a manhunt is ongoing to capture the fleeing injured suspects and ensure the complete dismantling of the gang’s network.
