The Delta State Police Command says it has recorded another breakthrough in its ongoing fight against kidnapping and violent crimes, following the death of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle during a coordinated operation in the Ubulu-Okiti forest area.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, operatives of the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), working alongside security volunteers, carried out the operation based on intelligence gathered during investigations into recent kidnapping incidents across parts of the state.
According to the statement, the operatives, in the early hours of May 18, 2026, tracked suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate to a hideout in the Ubulu-Okiti forest axis. The suspects were reportedly linked to a series of kidnapping activities in Ubuluku, Ubulu-Okiti, Issele-Uku and neighbouring communities.
The Command stated that upon arrival at the hideout, the suspects allegedly opened fire on the operatives, prompting a response from the security team.
“During the exchange, one of the suspected kidnappers sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped into the forest with varying degrees of injuries,” the statement read.
Police said an AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition and suspected criminal charms were recovered from the scene.
The injured suspect was taken to a hospital, where he was later confirmed dead by a doctor on duty, according to the police.
The Command added that a comprehensive search operation is ongoing in the forest and surrounding areas to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover more exhibits.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, commended the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, while reiterating the Command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks across the state.
He also urged residents to support security agencies with credible and timely information, assuring the public that operational measures were being intensified to ensure the safety of citizens across Delta State.
