By Christopher Oji and Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Delta State Police Command has dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Ughelli North Local Government Area and environs.
The operation, however, resulted in the death of five hoodlums, arrest of three suspects, and recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer( PPRO), SP Bright Edafe, the operation was carried out by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson.
He said that the team acted on intelligence gathered on the kidnapping syndicate, which had been terrorizing residents of Iyamuge, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and surrounding areas.
The suspects: Adamu Abubakar (aka ‘Dogo’), Abubakar Mohammed (aka ‘Chede’), and Mohammed Bellow, were arrested at different locations in Ughelli North LGA.
Edafe said that preliminary investigation revealed that they were responsible for a series of kidnappings and armed robberies in the area.
During the operation, he said, the suspects led the police to Iyamugo forest, where their hidden weapons were recovered.
The arms included :one AK-47 rifle, one pump action gun, three locally made guns, two magazines, 60 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition, and 17 rounds of live cartridges.
As the police exited the forest, they were engaged in a gun duel by some hoodlums suspected to be members of the same gang, he continued.
“Five of the hoodlums sustained gunshot injuries and later died while receiving treatment.
“The three arrested suspects and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, while the investigation is ongoing.
“The operatives of CP special assignment have indeed proven that their deployment by the commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, was indeed a master stroke as their deployment has brought calm to the area due to the continuous arrest of these criminals”.