Delta Police Dismantle Kidnap Syndicate, Rescue Three Victims

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have dismantled a kidnapping syndicate and rescued three victims from a forest hideout near Issele-Uku, in an operation that also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.

The operation, which followed a kidnapping report received by the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026, involved a joint effort by the police, military, local vigilante groups, and hunters.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, said the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, swiftly mobilised personnel and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission, combing identified hideouts within the surrounding bush.

The operation resulted in an intense exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the syndicate. According to SP Edafe, one suspect was fatally wounded during the encounter, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been reunited with their families.

Continued combing of the forest led to the arrest of 22-year-old Ahmadu Hassan, a native of Kange Village in Awe Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. The suspect sustained gunshot injuries during the operation and is currently receiving treatment in police custody.

“A further search of the area resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition,” Edafe added.

He confirmed that the body of the deceased suspect has been deposited in a mortuary, while efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the gallantry and synergy displayed by the operatives and partner security outfits.

He reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to support police efforts in combating crime.