The Delta State Command of the Nigeria Police Force has confirmed that three suspected kidnappers were killed following a botched attempt to abduct the wife of a member of the Delta State House of Assembly. The incident occurred on September 2, 2024, at Okoloba Junction on Jakpa Road in the Uvwie Local Government Area.
The failed kidnapping attempt resulted in the tragic deaths of two mobile police officers and a civilian driver, identified as Mr. David Imela. In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered an immediate and comprehensive operation to apprehend the culprits.
“We promptly deployed officers across Warri and its surrounding areas, blocking all potential escape routes,” CP Abaniwonda stated.
According to a statement released on Sunday by SP Edafe Bright, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, officers from the Ebrumede division, led by Divisional Police Officer (DPO) CSP Iwok Ndifereke, established a traffic obstruction at the DSC roundabout to trap the suspects. Upon noticing the police presence, the suspects opened fire.
“The police team responded professionally, considering the heavy traffic in the area,” the statement noted. Although the assailants managed to escape, they left behind their bullet-riddled vehicle, along with three AK-47 rifles and the operational vehicle, which bore the registration number WWR-436-GZ.
Dissatisfied with the suspects' escape, CP Abaniwonda ordered a full-scale manhunt for the remaining gang members.
The intense search culminated on October 3, 2024, when DPO Ndifereke and his team tracked the suspects to a hideout in Agbarho. During a fierce confrontation, police officers overwhelmed the gang members, resulting in serious gunshot injuries to three suspects, who later succumbed to their wounds at a nearby hospital. An additional AK-47 rifle was recovered during the operation.
The police commissioner commended the bravery and commitment of DPO Ndifereke and his team, urging other officers to follow their exemplary conduct. A manhunt for the remaining suspects is currently underway as the investigation continues.
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