Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have shot and killed three suspected kidnappers during a gun battle along the Ughelli-Patani Road. The operation was carried out by the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), led by ASP Robinson Julius, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when the police team, while on a covert patrol, intercepted a shuttle bus at Ewhereni Junction. According to a statement released by the Command, the suspects onboard the vehicle opened fire upon sighting the officers in an attempt to evade arrest. The operatives swiftly returned fire, leading to a fierce exchange.
During the shootout, three of the suspects sustained critical gunshot injuries and were taken to the hospital, where they were later confirmed dead. Several others managed to flee the scene under the cover of gunfire. A search of the vehicle revealed an AK-47 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition, which was recovered by the police.
CP Abaniwonda described the confrontation as a significant breakthrough in the Command’s ongoing effort to curb the menace of kidnapping and violent crimes across the state.
In a separate operation, the CP-SAT team carried out a series of coordinated arrests targeting suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists in different locations across Delta State.
On May 24, the operatives apprehended a notorious suspect identified as Ifeanyi Okolie, popularly known by the alias “BLACK JESUS.” Okolie was alleged to be involved in several cases of motorcycle theft and armed robbery in Asaba and its surrounding communities.
Following his arrest, Okolie led investigators to a secluded bush where police discovered an arms cache, including three locally-fabricated firearms, four live cartridges, and a motorcycle believed to have been stolen. The arrest also led to the detention of three additional suspects connected to the case: Ogochukwu Emmanuel, Joseph Egwu, and Yakubu Yusuf.
In a related development, officers recovered a Beretta pistol believed to belong to another suspect, identified only as “NINO,” who remains at large. Efforts are currently underway to track and apprehend the fleeing suspect, as the Command intensifies its manhunt operations.
Speaking on the developments, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda lauded the efforts of the CP-SAT team for their bravery, professionalism, and tactical efficiency. He emphasized that the recent operations highlight the Command’s unwavering resolve to tackle violent crime and restore public confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Delta Police Neutralize Three Suspected Kidnappers, Arrest Others in Statewide Crackdown
“These significant successes demonstrate the Command’s resolute commitment to dismantling criminal networks and enhancing the safety and security of all residents across Delta State,” CP Abaniwonda said in a statement released on Thursday.
He further called on the public to support the police by remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity. The Commissioner urged residents to make use of the Command’s control room numbers and dedicated communication channels for swift response in emergencies.
The Delta State Police Command has, in recent months, intensified its crackdowns on criminal syndicates operating within the state. Under CP Abaniwonda’s leadership, the Command has prioritised proactive policing strategies, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to distress calls in order to stay ahead of criminal elements.
The CP reaffirmed the police’s dedication to maintaining law and order and promised that efforts would not relent until all forms of criminality are brought to an end in the state.
Residents have been encouraged to cooperate with security agencies and remain calm, as more operations are expected to be carried out in the coming weeks to rid Delta State of criminal elements.
With sustained momentum and increased public cooperation, the Delta State Police Command hopes to build safer communities and ensure that the state remains inhospitable to criminals and their networks.
