Gun battle: Two suspected kidnappers killed as police storm Delta hideout

Police gun down two suspected kidnappers in Delta, recover AK-47 and other items
AK-47 and other exhibits recovered by the police after engaging suspected kidnappers in a gun battle where two suspects were killed

By Ifeanyichukwu Praise

Two suspected kidnappers and armed robbers have been killed in a fierce gun battle with police operatives during a raid on a criminal hideout in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The Delta State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying its operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel during the operation, which ended with the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 26 rounds of live ammunition.
The police spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Asaba.
Edafe said the police also recovered an AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks during the operation.
He said the operation was carried out on October 31, 2026, at about 8.35pm by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), in collaboration with the Ughelli Vigilance Group, following a tip-off.
The spokesman said the operatives stormed a suspected criminal hideout in a forest at Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North, but came under heavy gunfire as the suspects opened fire on sighting the approaching security team.
He said the officers responded, triggering a gun duel in which two suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while others escaped into the forest.
He said the injured suspects were rushed to a hospital but were later confirmed dead by a doctor.
The police spokesman said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
Commissioner of Police Samuel Erale reiterated the command’s determination to rid the state of kidnappers, armed robbers and other violent criminals.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to assist security agencies in tackling criminal activities.
—GN