Two Suspected Kidnappers Meet Their Waterloo After Intense Gun Battle with Police

Two suspected kidnappers have been killed following an intense gun battle with operatives of the Delta State Police Command. The suspects reportedly died while receiving treatment at the hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds during the confrontation.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the encounter followed a sustained operation to dismantle a notorious kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate operating around the Upper-Agbarho axis of Ughelli and its environs.

The statement noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, had directed the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) to carry out an intelligence-driven investigation to track down the gang members and bring them to justice.

Acting on this directive, the team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, extended its investigation to Rivers and Imo States, leading to the arrest of two suspects: Abubakar Musa, 28, from Kwara State but residing in Port Harcourt, and Yusuf Sale, 25, from Bauchi State but living in Owerri. The arrests were made on October 2 and 4, 2025, respectively.

During interrogation, the suspects led operatives to a bush between Upper Agbarho and Oviri-Ogor communities in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, where the police recovered an AK-47 rifle with two magazines and 43 rounds of live ammunition, a pump-action gun, and a locally made pistol.

However, as the operatives were leaving the scene, they came under ambush from other members of the gang who attempted to rescue their arrested accomplices. The police responded with superior firepower, engaging the attackers in a fierce gun duel.

Two police officers sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange and are currently receiving treatment. The suspects also suffered gunshot wounds and were taken to the hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.

SP Edafe said a manhunt has been launched for the fleeing gang members, adding that the police remain committed to ensuring the safety of residents and maintaining law and order across Delta State.