…the suspected kidnappers opened fire on the police
A shootout between operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) of the Delta State Police Command and suspected kidnappers has resulted in the deaths of three suspects, iNews Times reports.
It was gathered that the police team, led by ASP Robinson Julius, was on a covert patrol along Ughelli-Patani Road when they stopped a shuttle bus at Ewhereni Junction.
The suspects opened fire on the police, leading to a gun battle.
Three suspects were seriously injured and later died in the hospital, while others escaped.
One AK-47 rifle loaded with 18 live rounds was recovered from the suspects.
In a separate operation, the CP-SAT team arrested suspected kidnappers, armed robbers, and cultists, and seized firearms and ammunition.
One Ifeanyi Okolie, aka “BLACK JESUS,” accused of robbing motorcycles and valuables in Asaba and nearby areas, was arrested on May 24.
He led operatives to a bush where three homemade guns, four live bullets, and a suspected stolen motorcycle were found.
Three others connected to the case were also arrested: Ogochukwu Emmanuel, Joseph Egwu, and Yakubu Yusuf.
A Beretta pistol was recovered from a suspect known as “NINO,” who is still at large.
The Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, while praising the CP-SAT team for their work, noted that the successes demonstrate the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and enhancing safety and security in Delta State.
The CP assured the public of continued vigilance and urged citizens to report suspicious activities through the police control numbers.
The police investigation is ongoing, iNews Times learnt.