Police Kill One Kidnapper, Rescue Three Victims in Delta

The Delta State Police Command has dismantled a kidnap syndicate and rescued three victims during a coordinated operation in a forest near Issele-Uku.

The operation followed a kidnapping report received by the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, led a joint operation involving the military, local vigilantes, and hunters to comb identified hideouts in the surrounding bush.

The operation resulted in a gun battle between security operatives and members of the syndicate.

During the exchange of fire, one of the suspected kidnappers was fatally wounded, while the three kidnapped victims were rescued unharmed and later reunited with their families.

Further operations in the forest led to the arrest of a suspect, identified as Ahmadu Hassan, 22, from Nasarawa State, who sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter.

A search of the area also led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition.

Police confirmed that the suspect who was shot during the operation later died, and his body has been deposited in a mortuary.

The injured suspect is currently receiving treatment under police custody, while efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the gang.

The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, commended the joint efforts of security operatives and partner agencies, reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He also urged residents to continue providing credible and timely information to support ongoing security operations.