DELTA POLICE KILL TWO SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, ARMED ROBBERS IN GUN BATTLE, RECOVER AK-47 RIFLE AND AMMUNITION
The Delta State Police Command has announced the death of two suspected kidnappers and armed robbers following a gun battle between security operatives and members of a suspected criminal gang in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The operation, which took place on Saturday, October 31, 2026, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and other items suspected to be connected to criminal activities.
The police disclosed the development on Sunday, November 1, in a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police Bright Edafe.
According to the statement, operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), working alongside members of the Ughelli Vigilante group, carried out the operation at approximately 8:35 p.m.
The security team reportedly acted on what the police described as credible intelligence concerning the activities of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers operating from a forest hideout in Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North.
The operatives subsequently stormed the suspected hideout in an attempt to apprehend members of the criminal group and disrupt their alleged operations.
However, the police said the suspects opened fire immediately after sighting the approaching security personnel, triggering an exchange of gunfire between both sides.
During the confrontation, two of the suspected criminals sustained gunshot injuries, while other members of the group reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest.
The injured suspects were immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical attention but were later confirmed dead by a medical doctor, according to the police statement.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks suspected to have been used by members of the gang during criminal operations.
The police did not immediately disclose the identities of the deceased suspects or provide specific details of the kidnapping and armed robbery incidents allegedly linked to the group.
The command also did not establish publicly whether the recovered AK-47 rifle had been used in previous attacks or whether the suspects were connected to particular kidnapping cases in the area.
Meanwhile, the police confirmed that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing members of the suspected criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Samuel E. Erale, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
Erale urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security operatives in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing further attacks.
He also emphasised the importance of cooperation between security agencies, local vigilante groups and community members in addressing threats to public safety.
The operation comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Delta State, where kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes have remained major issues for residents and law enforcement authorities.
Ughelli North and surrounding communities have previously experienced security incidents involving suspected criminal gangs, prompting calls for stronger surveillance and improved protection for residents.
The involvement of the Ughelli Vigilante group in the latest operation also highlights the role of community-based security structures in providing intelligence and supporting police operations in areas where criminal groups are suspected to operate.
However, the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ alleged criminal activities remain subject to further investigation, while the police have yet to provide details of the individuals who escaped.
The recovery of the rifle and ammunition represents an important part of the investigation, although further forensic examination and police findings would be needed to establish whether the weapons were connected to other reported crimes.
Street News Reporters will continue to monitor the police operation, including efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects, identify the deceased individuals and establish whether the recovered firearm is linked to previous kidnapping and armed robbery incidents in Delta State.
