A joint team of the Nigeria Police Force and local security groups has neutralised four suspected kidnappers during a daring early-morning operation in Abraka, Delta State.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Police Command, SP Edale Bright, the operation involved officers from the Abraka Police Patrol Team working in synergy with local hunters, vigilantes, and anti-cult volunteers.
The operation, carried out at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday, was the result of actionable intelligence regarding the activities of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating along the Abraka railway axis.
The operation involved officers from the Abraka Police Patrol Team working in synergy with local hunters, vigilantes, and anti-cult volunteers.
The team engaged the suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, which resulted in the death of four suspects.
Others reportedly fled the scene with gunshot wounds.
The operatives recovered an AK-47 rifle and 13 rounds of live ammunition from the scene.
A preliminary investigation has linked one of the deceased suspects to a recent abduction case.
The victim, who was rescued shortly before the operation, positively identified the suspect as the leader of the gang responsible for his kidnapping.
The Commissioner of Police in the State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, commended the bravery and coordination of the operatives involved.
CP Olufemi urged the operatives to sustain the momentum and reiterated the Command’s commitment to strengthening community-police partnerships in the ongoing fight against crime.
CP Olufemi also called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by reporting any suspicious activities.
The public can reach the Command’s control room through the following emergency numbers: 08036684974, 08114895600, and 08025666914.
