Police Raid Kidnappers’ Hideout, Kill 5

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have shot dead five suspected kidnappers during a fierce gun battle. The incident followed a series of raids on criminal hideouts linked to kidnapping activities across the state.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the police first stormed a hideout in the Agu-Amawbia forest in Anambra State, where they recovered one AK-47 rifle and 132 rounds of live ammunition. The raid was based on intelligence relating to a kidnapping ring allegedly led by Bellow Abubakar, operating around Ubuluku, Isseluku, Issele-Asagba, and surrounding areas.

Following the success of the first operation, the police extended their investigation to another hideout located in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu. There, Abubakar and his gang members ambushed the operatives, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. Edafe stated that the operatives, fully prepared for the confrontation, overpowered the suspects. Five members of the gang, including Abubakar, were seriously injured during the shootout and were taken to the hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

During the operation, police recovered two additional AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the scene. A manhunt is ongoing for other gang members who fled with bullet wounds.