The Delta State Police operatives attached to Nsukwa Division have neutralized a suspected kidnapper having received a distress call on Friday, 8th December 2023 that while a victim (name withheld) was driving home with his motorcycle along Ashama Anu-Ugbo Farm Nsukwa was kidnapped, and a Five Million Naira (#5,000,000) ransom was demanded by the kidnappers.
A statement on Wednesday,13th December 2023 signed by the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP. Edafe Bright said that one pump action pistol, one locally manufactured cut-to-size gun, and cartridges were found by police, along with the arrest of a suspected armed robber.
“Upon alerting the police about the kidnapping incident, an intensified operation was conducted. On Saturday, December 9, 2023, at about 12.10 pm, acting on credible intelligence about the arrangement of the kidnappers the collection of the demanded ransom, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP George Omunu swiftly mobilized men of the divisional patrol teams with the active support from operatives of Command’s tactical teams and other security stakeholders within the Nsukwa Area, as they proceeded on an intensive search and rescue operations.
“The suspects were traced at different locations within the Egbudu-Akah bush, where the team combed the bushes relentlessly. The kidnappers, upon sighting the rescue team closing up on them from a distance, opened fire on the team. This ferocious hostility necessitated the police to respond with a superior fire which eventually forced the captors to hastily take to their heels, leaving behind the male victim who was then rescued unhurt.”
Edafe further said that at about 2.30 pm the same day, following up on intelligence, the operational team proceeded back to Egbudu-Akah bush where one of the suspected kidnappers (name unknown) was apprehended with bullet wounds. “The suspect was swiftly rushed to General Hospital Isheagu for medical attention where he died while receiving treatment.
“In another incident, the Raiders Squad on December 11, 2023, at about 2 pm, in the wake of credible intelligence relating to cultist activities causing a breach to public peace and tranquility, stormed Boboroku Community, Ethiope West LGA, in a bid to restore sanity in the region. Upon sighting the patrol team heading in their direction, the suspects escaped. The policemen spontaneously chased after these suspected miscreants who while fleeing left behind a bag. When the bag was searched, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun was recovered. The exhibit is in custody, and investigation has effectively commenced,” Edafe said.
Similarly, on December 12, 2023, Eagle-net Squad agents saw a motorbike with two passengers on it while doing a stop and search along Odurubu-Bomadi road. During their search, a cut-to-size gun manufactured locally and four cartridges that were stashed in a bag were found. The investigation is ongoing, he said, and the suspect is in custody.
In the meantime, Delta Command Commissioner of Police CP. Wale Abass has reassured all citizens that the command is committed to dealing with criminals in the state decisively and that, with him in charge, the state will be difficult for criminals to operate in.
