The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, rescuing three kidnapped victims, arresting a suspect, and recovering an AK-47 rifle after a gun battle in Issele-Uku.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation followed a kidnapping report received at the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026.
According to the statement, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing identified hideouts in the surrounding bush.
The operation led to a fierce exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the kidnapping syndicate. One of the suspects was fatally wounded during the encounter, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and later reunited with their families.
Further combing of the area resulted in the arrest of one Ahmadu Hassan, 22, from Kange Village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, who was found with gunshot injuries. Security operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition.
Police said one of the suspects who sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange later died, with the body deposited in a mortuary, while the injured suspect is currently receiving treatment under police custody. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives and partner security outfits for their gallantry and synergy, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and urging residents to provide timely and credible information.
