The Delta State Police Command has dismantled a suspected kidnap syndicate and rescued three abducted victims during a coordinated security operation in a forest near Issele-Uku, in what authorities described as a major breakthrough against kidnapping in the state.
The operation, which also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, followed a kidnapping report received by the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, mobilised a joint team comprising personnel of the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters to track down the suspects.
According to him, the coordinated search-and-rescue operation involved intensive combing of identified criminal hideouts within surrounding bush areas, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the syndicate.
“During the encounter, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families,” Edafe stated.
He further disclosed that continued clearance operations in the area resulted in the arrest of Ahmadu Hassan (male), 22, from Kange Village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. The suspect reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is currently receiving medical treatment under police custody.
A subsequent search of the forest led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition, reinforcing evidence of the gang’s armed operations.
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The police spokesman added that one of the injured suspects later died, and his remains have been deposited in a mortuary for further procedures.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the synergy between the police, military, vigilante groups, and local hunters, describing the operation as a demonstration of effective inter-agency collaboration in combating kidnapping and violent crime in Delta State.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and urged residents to continue providing credible intelligence to assist ongoing anti-kidnapping operations.
Security authorities say investigations are ongoing as efforts intensify to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.