The Delta State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to violent crime, dismantling a kidnap syndicate and rescuing three victims from their hideout in a forest near Issele-Uku following a fierce gun battle .
The operation, which also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, was launched after a kidnapping report was received by the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026 .
In a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, detailed the successful operation.
“Sequel to the report, the Divisional Police Officer, 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,” Edafe said .
He added that the operation culminated in an intense exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and members of the syndicate.
“During the encounter, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been safely reunited with their families,” Edafe said .
The spokesman disclosed that continued combing of the surrounding forest led to the arrest of one Ahmadu Hassan, 22, of Kange Village, Awe Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, who sustained gunshot injuries during the operation .
“A further search of the area resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition,” Edafe added .
According to the PPRO, “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 continue to track and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate .
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended “the gallantry and synergy displayed by the operatives and partner security outfits” and reaffirmed the Command’s “unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the State” .
CP Adesola urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support police efforts in combating crime .
