The Delta State Police Command has successfully dismantled a kidnappers’ den in the Ughelli division, leading to the arrest of three suspects and the death of another in a shootout. This operation followed extensive intelligence gathering by a special team deployed by Commissioner of Police CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.
On May 17, 2024, the gang reportedly kidnapped a victim from his residence in Ajakota village and subsequently murdered him. This prompted a special police team led by ASP Julius Robison to pursue the gang members. On July 1, 2024, a tip-off resulted in the arrest of Ismaila Umaru, a 28-year-old resident of Oghara town by Powerline, originally from Kekura Village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
According to SP Edafe Bright, the Delta State Public Relations Officer, Umaru’s arrest led the police to two other gang members. Chede Mohammed, an 18-year-old from Nasarawa State, was apprehended in Agwara Ughelli town. The third suspect, Mohammed Sani, a 26-year-old from Baniru area of Abuja residing in the Upper Agbarho area of Delta, was also arrested.
The police team then moved to the bush near Oviri-Ogor to capture a fourth gang member. However, they encountered resistance from the gang. During the ensuing gunfight, one of the kidnappers was shot and later died in the hospital from his injuries. An AK-49 rifle hidden in the bush was recovered from the suspects.