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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Delta State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.
According to the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, who briefed newsmen, on Friday, police operatives neutralized a notorious kidnapper, Liberty Kunu, and recovered multiple firearms, including an AK-47 rifle during a fierce gun duel
He said, the suspect, popularly known as Commander Liberty or Double Agent, led a gang responsible for several kidnapping and robbery incidents in Sapele and surrounding areas.
The CP said that the gang often disguised themselves as security volunteers (SOS) to carry out their crimes.
He said that the operation followed a report of abduction at Boyo Junction, Sapele, on January 17, where three victims were kidnapped.
One victim escaped and reported the incident, revealing that the gang robbed the others of valuables worth about ₦9 million.
Investigations linked Liberty Kunu to the crime, and police launched a targeted raid.
He said that on January 28, police operatives from the CP-Special Assignment Team traced Liberty to a hideout in Ibada-Elume community.
During the operation, the officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, a locally fabricated revolver, and other weapons hidden in the forest.
As the team was retreating from the scene, they were ambushed by gang members.
He said that a gun battle erupted, lasting over ten minutes, as the gang attempted to rescue Liberty.
The police responded with superior firepower, leading to the death of Liberty, who was confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Several officers and gang members sustained injuries in the firefight, with the police vehicle bearing multiple bullet holes.
In addition to the weapons recovered, police arrested five gang members, including Twale Golly (33), Michael Kunu.(25), Israel Ugwu (30), Ogaga Power, (45) and Mercy Kunu (28).
The police boss said that investigations revealed that Liberty was affiliated with the Aye confraternity and was suspected to possess an AK-47 rifle.
While saying other members of the gang are still in custody, he reiterated ongoing efforts to dismantle the criminal network fully.
