Delta Police Gun Down Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Arms; 12 Cultists Nabbed in Jesse

By Diafa Doubra,

The Delta State Police Command has recorded yet another major breakthrough in its ongoing war against criminal elements across the state. In a recent operation, the command’s Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) engaged a gang of suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, leading to the death of two suspects and the recovery of several dangerous weapons.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edafe Bright, the operation followed a series of reported cases of kidnapping and armed robbery around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli and its environs. Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, operatives led by ASP Julius Robinson launched a painstaking, intelligence-driven investigation that took them across three states — Delta, Rivers, and Imo.

The team arrested two key suspects: 28-year-old Abubakar Musa from Kwara State, who resides in Port Harcourt, and 25-year-old Yusuf Sale from Bauchi State, who lives in Owerri. During interrogation, the suspects led the operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area, where an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 43 rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol were recovered.

However, on their way out of the bush, the police team came under heavy attack as other members of the gang ambushed them in an attempt to rescue their arrested colleagues. The encounter resulted in a fierce exchange of gunfire, during which the suspects and some of their accomplices sustained gunshot injuries. Two police officers were also wounded but are currently receiving treatment. The injured suspects were rushed to the hospital but later died while receiving medical attention. A manhunt for the fleeing gang members is ongoing.

In a separate operation, the command’s State Anti-Cult Unit, acting on intelligence about recent cult clashes in Jesse, stormed a notorious hideout on Sylvester Street in Jesse town, Ethiope West LGA. The operation led to the arrest of one Mudiaga Obey, aged 20, and eleven others believed to be members of a rival cult group. During the raid, one Beretta pistol and a live round of ammunition were recovered.

SP Edafe Bright reaffirmed the command’s commitment under CP Abaniwonda’s leadership to rid Delta State of criminal elements, urging residents to continue providing credible information to aid police efforts in maintaining peace and security across the state.