In a significant operation aimed at combating kidnapping and violent crime, the Delta State Police have successfully neutralized a suspected kidnapper during a confrontation in a local community. This operation, which took place on August 14, 2024, also led to the arrest of three other suspects and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons.
The details of the operation were disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, in a statement issued from Warri. The incident unfolded when the Commissioner of Police Special Squad, stationed in Ughelli, was conducting an investigation involving a previously apprehended suspect named Joel Ofoye. The investigation aimed to track down a notorious gunrunner believed to be supplying arms to local kidnapping syndicates.
According to the police statement, the operation took the officers to the Ewu community in Ughelli South Local Government Area. While pursuing leads on the gunrunner, the operatives came under heavy fire from members of the suspect’s gang, who attempted to rescue Joel Ofoye. In the ensuing gun battle, the police were able to repel the attackers, forcing them to retreat.
Tragically, one of the suspects was injured during the confrontation. He was promptly transported to the General Hospital in Ughelli for medical treatment; however, he later succumbed to his injuries. The incident highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement in their efforts to combat organized crime.
In the aftermath of the shootout, law enforcement recovered an arsenal of firearms from the suspects, including a Beretta pistol with four rounds of live ammunition, a pump-action shotgun equipped with nine cartridges, and a locally fabricated revolver. These weapons underline the serious threat posed by armed gangs in the region.
In a separate yet related matter, the Delta State Police have intensified their efforts against kidnapping syndicates following the abduction of a 29-year-old victim from the Kokori Community in Ethiope East Local Government Area on February 17, 2024. The victim was taken from his residence in Sapele, where he was forced to transfer N5 million from his bank account to his captors.
After regaining his freedom, the victim reported the ordeal to the police, prompting Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda to order a thorough investigation. Utilizing intelligence provided by the victim, the CP’s Special Squad, led by ASP Julius Robinson, conducted a raid on the hideout of a key member of the kidnapping gang, known as “Sapiro,” in Sapele.
This operation led to the recovery of another Beretta pistol and the arrest of several prominent members of the syndicate. Among those apprehended were Tony Binitie, alias “Bobo,” identified as the gang leader from Big-Warri Community in Warri South Local Government Area; Ejiro Ewuba, a native of Uwelogbo Community in Isoko LGA but residing in Sapele; and Ayuba Hussaini, who was identified as the receiver of the victim’s stolen valuables. Hussaini was found to have received N1 million transferred from the victim’s account, further implicating him in the criminal activities of the gang.
All arrested suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes, providing law enforcement with crucial information to dismantle the kidnapping network further.
This series of operations underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to tackling organized crime and ensuring the safety of residents. The community has been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement in reporting suspicious activities to help combat the growing threat of kidnapping and violence in the region.
