During the operation, the police engaged the suspects in a fierce gun battle after they were ambushed in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Otulu. The suspects could not withstand the firepower of the operatives and fled in different directions with various degrees of bullet injuries. Five suspects, including the gang leader, Bellow Abubakar, were taken to the hospital but were confirmed dead due to the severity of their injuries.
1 AK-47 rifle and 132 rounds of live ammunition from the Agu-Amawbia forest hideout2 additional AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the forest where the gun battle occurred
A manhunt is ongoing for other injured suspects who fled the scene. The police are working to apprehend any remaining members of the gang.
The operation demonstrates the police’s commitment to tackling kidnapping and other crimes in the state.
