The Police Command in Delta State neutralized a suspected kidnapper during a shootout in Ughelli North Local Government Area, with four other suspects arrested in separate operations.

According to SP Bright Edafe, the command’s spokesman, the incident took place on Thursday near the Adjekota-Ogor communities in Ughelli North. The police, acting on credible intelligence and deployed by Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda, intercepted and engaged the kidnappers. During the shootout, one gang member was fatally wounded, while others managed to escape.

Edafe explained that the police team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, stormed a criminal hideout on the Ughelli/Patani Road near an abandoned filling station. Upon seeing the police, the hoodlums opened fire, leading to a gun battle. One suspect sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital, where he later died. The police recovered two Beretta pistols and five rounds of live ammunition from the scene. A manhunt is now underway for the fleeing gang members.

In a separate operation on Wednesday in Sapele Town, a police special team arrested four robbery and kidnap suspects. ASP Robinson led the team to the suspects’ hideout, where they apprehended the individuals and recovered a locally made cut-to-size gun. Preliminary investigations revealed the suspects’ involvement in both cult-related activities and armed robbery.

Edafe confirmed that investigations into both cases are ongoing.