by Felix Igbekoyi
Operatives from the Delta State Police Command have successfully dismantled a gang of four suspected kidnappers in Ughelli, located in the Ughelli South local government area.
The police confirmed that this operation was initiated based on credible intelligence gathered over time, relating to the kidnapping of a male victim (name withheld) on May 17, 2024, in the Adjakota area of Ughelli South LGA. Tragically, the victim was murdered by the kidnappers shortly after his abduction.
During the operation, one gang member was killed when a gun battle broke out between the suspects and the police. This individual sustained serious gunshot wounds and later died in the hospital while receiving treatment.
Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, reported that the crackdown occurred on July 1, 2024, at around noon, led by ASP Julius Robinson. One suspect, Ismaila Umaru, 28, from Kekura Village in Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, but residing in Oghara, was arrested.
On July 4, 2024, Umaru led police to two additional gang members: Chede Mohammed, 18, from Nasarawa State and residing in Agwara, and Mohammadu Sani, 26, from the Banbiru area of Abuja and residing in Upper Agbarho, Ughelli North.
Following their confessions, police conducted a raid in the bush near Oviri-Ogor on July 5, 2024, at around 5:30 AM, where they recovered an AK-49 rifle from the gang’s hideout.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, responded to the rising incidents of kidnapping in the Ughelli area by restructuring the local security architecture and deploying a new Divisional Police Officer to the Ughelli Division.
Additionally, a special operations team led by ASP Julius Robinson has been assigned to actively combat kidnappings in the area. Edafe noted that these proactive measures have been effective and continue to yield positive results.
