Juliana Francis
The Delta State Police Command said it had rescued a kidnapped victim, recovered his car and also recovered some guns, with expended cartridges.
According to the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Bright Edafe, the feat was achieved through an intelligence-driven operation conducted by the Ekpan Divisional Police Officer, a Chief Superintendent of Police, Aliyu Shaba, on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass.
Edafe said: “ The Police successfully rescued a kidnapped victim, recovered the victim’s vehicle, and three firearms, including two single barrel and one double barrel guns, with two expended cartridges.”
Edafe explained that on the 30th of December, at about 7:30 pm, a 23-year-old male parked his Black-coloured GLK 350 Benz SUV along Jakpa Road leaving his brother inside the vehicle as he went about other activities.
“While at it, he was alerted that the vehicle was attacked by three armed men who carried the vehicle with his brother in it, driving off to an unknown destination,” said Edafe.
He further stated: “Upon receipt of this information, the Commissioner of Police Delta State, CP Abass, directed the DPO Ekpan CSP Aliyu Shaba to mobilise operatives and ensure that the victim was rescued and the suspects arrested and brought to book.
“The DPO in compliance with the CP’s directive led a surveillance team attached to Ekpan Division for the operation, acting on a technically generated intelligence, the team proceeded to a bush at Ekakpamre, Ughelli-South LGA, where upon being sighted by the kidnappers, engaged the police in a serious gun duel and the process of the ensuing gun duel, two of the kidnappers were fatally injured, while one of them escaped with gunshot injuries.
“The kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt, two single-barrel and one double-barrel guns with two expended cartridges were recovered, alongside the vehicle. The two injured suspects were taken to the Hospital where they were certified dead by the doctor on duty. Efforts are on to arrest the injured suspect who escaped.”
Abass lauded officers and men of the Command for their tireless efforts in ensuring that the year 2023 was a success security-wise, but also reminded them that the reward for hard work is more work hence the need for them to up their strategies in the fight against crime and criminality.
He further sends out a clear message to the public, that the police will not hesitate to take all appropriate steps against criminals, and that anyone planning to disrupt the existing peace within Delta State will be dealt with decisively.
Abass extended deep appreciation to all Deltans and residents of the State, especially for their maximum cooperation and compliance with the laws during the festive season, which further led to hitch-free celebrations.
He urged the public to strengthen their trust in the police as they curb all criminal activities in the Delta State.
