Days after the Delta State Police Command paraded 12 suspected kidnappers and armed robbers in Ughelli, the command has againĀ successfully foiled a kidnapping operation in Asaba, recovering one AK-47 rifle, two pump-action guns, ammunition, and cartridges.
The feat was achieved following a distress call on November 27, 2024, concerning an incident along DLA Road, where four armed hoodlums operating in a Toyota Camry kidnapped a male and female victim, also commandeering a vehicle from another victim.
Acting swiftly on the directive of Commissioner of Police (CP) Olufemi Abaniwonda, the commandās Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, led by CSP Labe Joseph, embarked on a high-stakes intelligence-driven operation. The operatives tracked the suspects to the Ezenei axis along the Asaba/Benin Expressway. Realizing the police were closing in, the hoodlums diverted to Oko Market Road in a desperate attempt to evade capture. A heated chase ensued, forcing the suspects to abandon their vehicle and flee into a nearby bush with bullet wounds.
Recovered Arms and Ammunition
A thorough search of the abandoned vehicle revealed a cache of weapons, including an AK-47 rifle with a defaced breach number, two pump-action guns, a magazine, eight rounds of live AR ammunition, and 21 live cartridges concealed in the engine compartment. The operatives also recovered the hijacked Toyota Camry, and all exhibits are currently in police custody.
Commissioner Abaniwonda assured Delta State residents of the commandās unwavering commitment to apprehending the fleeing suspects and ensuring the safety of the public. āWe will leave no stone unturned in bringing these criminals to justice,ā he stated, urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by providing timely information.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Edafe Bright commended the operatives for their swift and effective action. He reaffirmed the commandās resolve to combat crime in all its forms, emphasizing the importance of public trust and collaboration in sustaining peace and security across Delta State.