…the suspects were apprehended after engaging operatives in an exchange of gunfire.
Warri, Nigeria — The iNews Times, The Nigeria Police Force, in a coordinated operation with local hunters, has arrested three suspected kidnappers and armed robbers following a fierce early-morning gun battle along the Asaba–Benin Expressway in Delta State.
The suspects – Oghenemaro Martins (25), Tarebi Miracle Ogbada (22), and Okorie James Kalu (19) – were apprehended on November 23, 2025, at about 06:30hrs near the Dustbin Mango Tree axis after engaging operatives in an exchange of gunfire.
According to items recovered at the scene, the gang is believed to be responsible for multiple armed robbery attacks around the Okpanam–Asaba corridor.
Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the operation in a statement sent to The iNews Times correspondent.
He disclosed that the attack unfolded after a distress call alerted the Eagle Net Special Squad, prompting its Commander, SP Danyaya Inusa, to deploy surveillance teams. They were joined by operatives of the Nigerian Hunters and Forest Security Service, led by DSP Abu Joshua.
Upon arriving at the crime scene, the officers were ambushed by the criminal gang, who opened fire sporadically.
“The team, undeterred, responded with controlled precision, overpowering the assailants with superior gunfire and forcing them into a disorganised retreat,” Edafe stated.
A hot pursuit followed, during which the suspects were arrested. In the course of the chase, the fleeing gang abandoned a black bag, which operatives recovered.
Items found in the bag – including a Beretta pistol, a locally made pistol, four 9mm rounds, an HP laptop, an iPhone S, a Tecno phone, a Samsung phone, a PS5 console, jewellery, and a laptop charger – were directly linked to earlier reported robberies.
Edafe noted that the firearms proved the gang’s readiness for violent confrontation, while the recovered electronics and jewellery matched descriptions provided by multiple robbery victims.
He added that investigators have now established a clear chain of identification connecting the stolen items to the suspects.
The three remain in police custody as investigations continue.
