One suspected kidnapper has lost his life and another is in critical condition following a heavy shootout with officers from the Issele-Uku Police Division, led by CSP Aderemi Badiru, alongside soldiers, local vigilantes, and hunters.
During the intense search-and-rescue mission, the team successfully freed three captives and took a 22-year-old suspect, Ahmadu Hassan, into custody. An AK-47 rifle equipped with four live rounds was also seized from him. The Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the details of the encounter in an official briefing from Warri.
The dispatch stated: “The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against violent crime, successfully rescuing three kidnapped victims, arresting a suspected kidnapper, and recovering an AK-47 rifle following a fierce gun battle in Issele-Uku.”
It continued: “Sequel to a kidnapping report received at the Issele-Uku Division on 16th March 2026, the DPO, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing identified hideouts within the surrounding bush.
“The operation culminated in an intense exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the kidnapping syndicate.
“During the encounter, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been safely reunited with their families.
“Sustained combing of the surrounding bush led to the arrest of one Ahmadu Hassan (M), aged 22 years, of Kange Village, Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, who was found with gunshot injuries.
“A further search of the area resulted in the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle loaded with four (4) rounds of live ammunition.
“Following the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers who sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire was later confirmed dead, and the corpse has been deposited in a mortuary.
“Meanwhile, the injured suspect is currently receiving treatment under police custody, and efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate as investigations progress.”