Four suspected kidnappers were killed during a joint security operation carried out by a combined team of police officers, local hunters, and Anti-Cult volunteers along the railway axis of Abraka, in the Ethiope East Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Abaniwonda Olufemi, confirmed the operation took place around 3 a.m. on Wednesday. Five firearms were recovered during the raid.
The incident follows a protest held on Monday by residents of the university town, who voiced their frustration over a surge in kidnappings and armed robberies in the area.
Describing the operation as “a breakthrough,” the police said it was based on credible intelligence regarding the suspects’ activities. Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the deceased was identified by a recently rescued victim as the leader of the gang that had kidnapped him.
According to the police statement, “During the operation, joint operatives comprising the Police, hunters, vigilante, and Anti-Cult volunteers engaged the suspected kidnappers. One AK-47 rifle and thirteen rounds of live ammunition were recovered. Four suspects sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and were later confirmed dead. Others escaped with injuries.”
Commissioner Olufemi praised the operatives for their success and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intensifying efforts against criminal activities in the state.
