Five Killed as Police, Kidnappers Exchange Gunfire
The Delta State Police Command’s Special Assignment Team has reportedly killed five suspected kidnappers in a gun battle around Iyamuge, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and nearby areas.
Spokesperson for the State Police Command, Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident, stating that some hoodlums suspected to be gang members engaged the police in a gun duel in the forest. During the exchange, five of the criminals sustained gunshot wounds, while others managed to escape.
According to Edafe, the injured suspects were taken to the hospital, where they later died while receiving treatment.
The police spokesperson further revealed that officers, led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on gathered intelligence, trailed and arrested one Adamu Abubakar, popularly known as “Dogo.” He was identified as the leader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating around the DSC Roundabout in Warri.
Edafe added that further arrests were made on March 21, 2025, around 11:00 p.m. The suspects, identified as Abubakar Mohammed, also known as “Chede,” and Mohammed Bellow, were apprehended at Otovwodo Park in Ughelli North LGA.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were allegedly responsible for a series of kidnappings and armed robberies around Iyamuge, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and surrounding communities," Edafe stated.
Following their confessions, the suspects led the police operatives to their hideout in Iyamugo Forest, where a cache of weapons was recovered. The seized items included:
One AK-47 rifle
One pump-action gun
Three locally made guns
Two magazines
60 rounds of AK-47 live ammunition
17 rounds of live cartridges
The Delta State Police Command has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the criminal gang who escaped during the operation.