Four men suspected of involvement in a series of kidnappings were fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with police operatives in Delta State, the Nigeria Police Force has disclosed.
The operation, which took place on April 10, followed the apprehension of one Abubakar Usman, alias Shehu, who authorities believe led the criminal group.
Usman reportedly provided information on the gang’s hideout after confessing to several abductions and murders carried out in the state.
In a press release dated April 14, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the suspect took officers to a forested area along the Asaba–Agbor expressway.
There, the team came under heavy gunfire from the remaining members of the gang.
“In the ensuing shootout, four of the suspects were neutralized, and officers recovered three AK-47 rifles along with 90 rounds of live ammunition,” ACP Adejobi stated.
During his interrogation, Usman reportedly admitted to the kidnapping of a doctor in Issele-Uku, the abduction and subsequent murder of Mr. Godwin Anuka after taking his wife and daughter at Ogwashi-Uku, as well as the kidnap and killing of Ms. Esther Ojoh in Ibusa.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the officers involved in the operation, describing their actions as a demonstration of courage and professionalism.
He affirmed the police force’s ongoing commitment to eradicating violent crimes threatening national security.