In a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, the Delta State Police Command has smashed a notorious kidnapping syndicate, arresting three suspects and killing five others in a g¥n duel.
The operation, which was carried out by operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP SAT), was based on intelligence gathered on the activities of the syndicate in Ughelli North Local Government Area and its environs.
The leader of the syndicate, Adamu Abubakar, aka “Dogo”, was arrested at DSC roundabout in Warri, along with two other suspects, Abubakar Mohammed, aka “Chede”, and Mohammed Bellow, at Otovwodo park, Ughelli, in Ughelli North LGA.
A statement by the State Police Command spokesman, SP Edafe Bright, said the suspects confessed to being responsible for a series of kidnappings and armed robberies in Iyamuge, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and environs.
The police recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from the suspects, including one AK-47 rif!e, one pump action g¥n, three locally made g^ns, two magazines, 60 rounds of A,K-47 live ammunition, and 17 rounds of live cartridges.
The Delta State Police Command has commended the operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team for their bravery and professionalism in carrying out the operation.
The command has also assured the public that it will continue to work tirelessly to rid the state of all forms of crime and criminality.
The statement reads in full; “Following an intelligence led investigation carried out on kidnapping and other related crimes in Ughelli North LGA and environs, on the 21/3/2025, at about 2300hrs, operatives of CP Special Assignment Team (CP SAT) led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on the gathered intelligence trailed and arrested one Adamu Abubakar ‘m’ popularly known as ‘dogo’ who is the leader of a kidnapping syndicate at DSC roundabout Warri. The arrest and interrogation of this suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects, Abubakar Mohammed popularly known as ‘chede’ and Mohammed Bellow at Otovwodo park in Ughelli North LGA.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects are allegedly responsible for a series of kidnappings and armed robberies around Iyamuge, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and environs. Acting on the strength of their confessions, the suspects led the operatives to Iyamugo forest where their hidden weapons which includes one (1) AK-47 rif!e, One (1) pump action gπn, three (3) locally made gu•ns, two magazines, sixty (60) rounds of Ak-47 live ammunition and seventeen (17) rounds of live cartridg£s were recovered.
“Upon exit from the forest, some hoodlums suspected to be their gang members engaged the Police in a g¥n duel, during which five of the hoodlums sustained gun$hot injuries while others escaped. The injured suspects were taken to the hospital and later died while receiving treatment. The three suspects and the exhibits are in custody while the investigation is ongoing.
“Operatives of CP special assignment have indeed proven that their deployment by the commissioner of Police Delta State CP Abaniwonda Olufemi was indeed a master stroke as their deployment has brought calm to the area due to the continuous arrest of these criminals.”
