Police Foil Kidnap Operation in Delta, Rescue Three Victims, Recover AK-47

By Chukwunonso Eric, Warri.

The Delta State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, rescuing three kidnapped victims, arresting a suspected kidnapper, and recovering an AK-47 rifle during a gun duel in Issele-Uku.

The operation followed a kidnapping report received at the Issele-Uku Police Division on March 16, 2026. Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, combing suspected hideouts within nearby forests.

The operation led to a fierce exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the kidnapping syndicate. During the encounter, one of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds, while the three abducted victims were successfully rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

Further combing of the area resulted in the arrest of a suspect identified as Ahmadu Hassan, 22, from Kange Village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The suspect, who sustained gunshot injuries during the gun battle, was apprehended at the scene.

Security operatives also recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition from the hideout.

Police authorities confirmed that one of the injured suspects later died from gunshot wounds, with the corpse deposited in a mortuary. The arrested suspect is currently receiving medical treatment under police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Aina Adesola, commended the bravery and collaboration of security operatives and partner agencies involved in the operation.

He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, stated that investigations are ongoing.