Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have killed five suspected kidnappers believed to be behind a series of attacks in Ubulu-Uku, Issele-Uku, Issele-Asagba, and nearby areas.
In a statement released on Sunday in Asaba, Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe said the operation followed credible intelligence that led police to a hideout in the Agu-Amawbia Forest, Anambra State. There, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle and 132 rounds of live ammunition.
The investigation continued to another hideout in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Otulu, where a gang led by one Bellow Abubakar was lying in wait.
According to Edafe, the gang opened fire on the police, triggering a fierce gun battle. The officers returned fire, and the suspects fled in various directions, some with gunshot wounds.
Five of the suspects, including Abubakar, were captured but later died from injuries sustained during the shootout.
Police recovered two more AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. A manhunt is ongoing for the remaining suspects who escaped with injuries.
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