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The Delta State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, successfully rescued three kidnapped victims, and recovered an AK-47 rifle.
This followed a fierce gun battle in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of the state, between operatives and the kidnappers.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Bright Edafe, sequel to a kidnapping report received at the Issele-Uku Division on 16 March 2026, the DPO, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing identified hideouts within the surrounding bush.
The operation culminated in an intense exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the kidnapping syndicate, during which one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been safely reunited with their families.
The statement added that sustained combing of the surrounding bush led to the arrest of one Ahmadu Hassan (M), aged 22 years, of Kange Village, Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, who was found with gunshot injuries.
A further search of the area resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition.
Following the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers who sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire was later confirmed dead, and the corpse has been deposited in a mortuary.
“The injured suspect is currently receiving treatment under police custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate as investigations progress,” the PPRO said.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the gallantry and synergy displayed by the operatives and partner security outfits.
He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and urged residents to continue to support the police with timely and credible information.
Police smash kidnap syndicate in Delta, rescue three victims
