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From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
The Delta State Police Command has rescued three kidnapped victims and arrested a suspected kidnapper following a gun battle in Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government.
The Command also recovered an AK-47 rifle from the syndicate.
The arrest followed a kidnapping report received at the Issele-Uku Police Division on March 16, 2026.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in the area, CSP Aderemi Badiru, on receipt of the report was said to have in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing identified hideouts within the surrounding bush.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe who confirmed this yesterday, said the operation culminated in an intense exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the kidnapping syndicate.
He said that during the encounter, one of the suspects was wounded, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.
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According to him, sustained combing of the surrounding bush led to the arrest of 22-year-old Ahmadu Hassan, of Kange Village, Awe LG, Nasarawa State, who was found with gunshot injuries.
Edafe disclosed that a further search of the area resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition.
He said that following the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers who sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire was later confirmed dead, and the corpse has been deposited in a mortuary.
The injured suspect, he hinted is currently receiving treatment under police custody, and efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate as investigations progress.
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, has commended the gallantry and synergy displayed by the operatives and partner security outfits.
He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the State and urged residents to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.
