Delta State police officers engaged suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle at Ewhereni Junction along Ughelli-Patani Road last Tuesday.
The Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team confronted the criminals after they opened fire from a shuttle bus. Three suspects suffered severe injuries during the exchange while others escaped under heavy gunfire.
Police spokesperson Bright Edafe confirmed the wounded kidnappers later died while receiving medical treatment at a nearby hospital. Authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with eighteen live rounds from the scene. This operation demonstrates the police force’s intensified crackdown on violent crimes across Delta State.
In a related development, officers arrested notorious motorcycle thief Ifeanyi Okolie during a separate raid last weekend. The thirty-eight-year-old suspect, nicknamed “Black Jesus,” targeted victims in Asaba, Okpanam, Ibusa and Ogwashi-Uku communities. During interrogation, Okolie confessed to multiple robberies before leading police to a bush near Okpanam City Gate.
Investigators uncovered three locally-made guns, four live cartridges and a stolen Q-Link motorcycle from the hideout. Police traced Okolie to Nsukwa community in Aniocha South though he resided in Okpanam. These arrests come amid growing concerns about cult-related violence and armed robberies across the state.
The Delta State Police Command has reassured residents of sustained security operations to dismantle criminal networks. Authorities urged citizens to report suspicious activities through official channels to assist investigations. Recent successes highlight improved intelligence-gathering and rapid response tactics adopted by security forces.
Community leaders have praised police efforts while calling for stronger measures against rising crime rates. Local vigilante groups continue collaborating with law enforcement to identify hideouts and arrest suspects. The recovered weapons will undergo ballistic analysis to link them to other unresolved violent crimes across the region.
Police patrols have increased along major highways following recent attacks on travelers. Security experts recommend enhanced surveillance technology and better welfare packages for officers fighting organized crime. The command promises thorough investigations to ensure all suspects face justice through proper legal channels.
Residents remain hopeful these operations will bring lasting peace to affected communities. The police encourage victims to come forward with information while guaranteeing their protection. These developments mark significant progress in Delta State’s ongoing battle against kidnapping and armed robbery.
