Three suspects gunned down as police burst hideout of kidnappers who k!lled two officers and driver during attempt to kidnap Delta lawmaker’s wife

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have k!lled three suspected kidnappers in a fierce gun battle in Agbarho, Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

The spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, October 5, 2024, said the suspects were allegedly part of the gang that k!lled two police officers and a driver during an attempt to kidnap the wife of a member of the Delta State House of Assembly, Augustine Uroye, at Okoloba Junction, Jakpa Road, Uvwie.

The PPRO stated that four AK-47 rifles and the gang’s operational vehicle with registration no. WWR-436-GZ were recovered.

“Following the failed attempted kidnap of the wife of one of the members of Delta State House of Assembly on 2nd of September 2024 at Okoloba Junction Jakpa Road, Uvwie LGA, where the suspected kidnappers m8rdered two mobile Policemen and the driver Mr. David Imela,” the statement read.

“The Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda immediately ordered water-tight deployment around Warri and environs as well as narrowing the roads and blockage of all exit points.

“It didn’t take long as Police operatives of Ebrumede division led by the DPO CSP Iwok Ndifereke strategically deployed and created an artificial hold-up at the DSC roundabout and sighted the vehicle as described with a matching registration number.

“On noticing the traffic and sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire on the team which the team equally responded professionally owning to the busy nature of the area.

“The hoodlums immediately abandoned the vehicle shattered with bullets and escaped with bullet injuries. Three (3) AK-47 rifles and their operational vehicle with registration no. WWR-436-GZ were recovered.

“The CP not satisfied with their escape, directed that the DPO Ebrumede should go all out and ensure the suspects were arrested and brought to book. Armed with available information and exhibit found in the abandoned vehicle, on 3rd October 2024, the DPO Ebrumede Division CSP Iwok Ndifereke led operatives to their hideout in Agbarho where the Police engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel and the Policemen who were prepared for the battle ahead overpowered the hoodlums, three of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries while other escaped and another AK-47 rifle was also recovered. The suspects were taken to the Hospital where they were confirmed dead. Manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.

“The Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda commended the effort and braveness of the DPO and his men displayed during the operation and urged other officers and men of the command to emulate them.”