In a gun duel that took place on Wednesday, the Delta State Command successfully eliminated two kidnappers and armed robbers in various parts of the state, including Warri and Ughelli.
In a press release by the Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, the operation led to seizure of nne AK47 rifle with breach number 16869, forty-six rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, one pump action gun, and thirteen live cartridges.
The press release stated that “On 31/5/2023, at about 0120hrs, CSP Aliyu Shaba led operatives from Ovwian Aladja division and embarked on a confidence building proactive patrol along DSC/Effurrun road.
“During the patrol, the DPO received a distress call that a man and his wife (name withheld) were kidnapped and their lexus Jeep (registration number withheld) was taken also”
The DPO swiftly trailed the escape route of the suspected kidnappers and eventually intercepted the vehicle along Warri-Sapele road by Aziza junction”
“On sighting the police, the suspects opened fire on the team in a bid to escape, and the police professionally responded, neutralizing two of the suspects in the process, while the other suspects abandoned the kidnapped couples in the vehicle and escaped.
The victims were rescued unhurt. One AK47 rifle with breach number 16869, forty-six rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, one pump action gun, and thirteen live cartridges were recovered. Manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.”
Reacting, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Wale Abass, urged the Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) and Tactical Commanders to enhance their efforts and stay ahead of criminals in order to completely eradicate them from the state.
Expressing his satisfaction with the successful operation, Commissioner of Police CP Wale Abass commended the conduct of the DPO and encouraged other DPOs to ensure the safety and security of their respective areas.
He emphasized that under his leadership, the command will make it difficult for criminals to operate and force them to either leave or desist from criminal activities.
Furthermore, CP Wale Abass advised parents and community leaders to engage in conversations with their youths and wards, discouraging them from resorting to criminal activities in order to make a living. He warned that such endeavors would inevitably lead to a disastrous end.