From Christopher Oji
The Delta State Police Command neutralised five suspected kidnappers, including gang leader Bello Abubakar, in a fierce gun battle on April 21.
The command recovered three AK-47 rifles and 140 rounds of ammunition from the notorious gang terrorising Ubulu-Uku, Issele-Uku, Issele-Asagba, and environs.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) CSP Edafe Bright stated, “Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, acting on intelligence, stormed a hideout in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State, recovering one AK-47 rifle and 132 rounds.”
A second raid in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Utulu led to a gunfight where the suspects, overwhelmed by police firepower, fled with injuries. Five, including Abubakar, died in the hospital. Two more AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered. A manhunt for fleeing suspects continues.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (CP) Olufemi Abaniwonda presented commendation certificates to 16 officers for exceptional service. Leading the list, ASP Julius Robinson, CP-Special Assignment Team Commander, was recognised for curbing kidnapping and robbery in Ughelli, Warri, Sapele, and Oghara since April 2024. His team recovered 24 AK-47 rifles, four K2/G3 rifles, 32 pump-action guns, 15 suspected stolen vehicles, and 560 rounds in the past year.
Other recipients included Inspectors Joel Osunniran, Ofumana Samson, Paul Mamman, CPL Layefa God’sgrace, and W/PC Isanmi Naomi. W/CPL Nwokolo Mercy, a traffic officer in Warri, was honoured for her professionalism and celebrated by traders on her April 16 birthday. Abaniwonda praised their dedication, urging emulation.
ASP Robinson, on behalf of the recipients, thanked IGP Kayode Egbetokun and CP Abaniwonda for their support, vowing continued efforts and stating, “The reward for hard work is more work.”