Three suspected kidnappers involved in a failed attempt to kidnap the wife of a Delta State lawmaker have been shot dead by the Delta State Police Command during a gun battle.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Sunday.
The failed kidnap attempt took place on September 2, 2024, at Okoloba Junction, Jakpa Road, Uvwie Local Government Area. During the attack, the kidnappers killed two mobile policemen and a driver named Mr. David Imela.
Following the attack, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abaniwonda Olufemi, ordered increased security around Warri and surrounding areas. He also directed the narrowing of roads and blockades at key exit points to trap the kidnappers.
Edafe said, “Police operatives from Ebrumede division, led by the Divisional Police Officer, Iwok Ndifereke, strategically created a traffic hold-up at DSC roundabout and spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ car. When the kidnappers saw the policemen, they opened fire. Our officers responded carefully, as it was a busy area.”
The police recovered three AK-47 rifles and the suspects’ operational vehicle with the registration number WWR-436-GZ. However, the suspects escaped with bullet injuries after abandoning their vehicle.
Unwilling to let the suspects escape, Commissioner Olufemi instructed the police to continue the search for the gang members. On October 3, 2024, officers, led by DPO Iwok Ndifereke, tracked the suspects to their hideout in Agbarho.
“A fierce gunfight ensued between the police and the kidnappers,” Edafe said. “Our men, fully prepared for the battle, overpowered the kidnappers. Three suspects were shot during the encounter and later confirmed dead at the hospital. Another AK-47 rifle was recovered from the hideout. The search for other members of the gang is ongoing.”
