Delta Police Neutralise Suspected Kidnapper in Gun Battle, Recover Arms

The Delta State Police Command announced on Thursday that a suspected kidnapper, Joel Ochuko Ofoye, has died following a gun battle with police operatives in Ewu community, Ughelli South Local Government Area.

The incident occurred during an investigative operation led by the police, aiming to crack down on a kidnapping ring operating in the area.

Speaking at a press conference in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda, disclosed details of the encounter that led to the suspect’s demise.

He explained that the police had previously arrested Ofoye on 18th July as part of an ongoing investigation into a kidnapping syndicate. Ofoye was suspected of having close ties with the gang, particularly in the procurement of illegal firearms used in their criminal activities.

On 12th August, the suspect was taken back to Ewu community by the police as part of an effort to track down a gun runner believed to be supplying weapons to the gang.

The operation, however, took a violent turn when the police team came under heavy fire from Ofoye’s accomplices, who attempted to ambush the officers and free their associate.

“The suspect led police operatives to the Ewu community on the trail of a gun runner, who supplied arms to the kidnapping gang,” Commissioner Abaniwonda explained.

“In Ewu, the police team came under attack from the suspect’s gang members in a bid to free the suspect.”

The police responded swiftly, engaging in a fierce gun battle with the gang members. Despite the attackers’ efforts, the police operatives managed to overpower them, forcing the assailants to flee the scene with gunshot wounds.

Unfortunately, during the exchange of gunfire, Ofoye was hit.

He was immediately transported to the General Hospital in Ughelli for urgent medical attention, but he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

The police commissioner emphasised the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in their ongoing efforts to combat violent crime in the state.

“The police team returned fire for fire and overpowered the hoodlums as they fled with bullet injuries.

However, the suspect Joel Ofoye was hit during the gun duel and was taken to General Hospital Ughelli, where he died while receiving treatment,” Abaniwonda said.

During the operation, the police recovered a significant cache of weapons believed to be used by the kidnapping syndicate.

The items seized included one Baretta pistol loaded with four rounds of live ammunition, one pump-action shotgun with nine rounds of cartridges, and a locally-made revolver pump-action gun.

These recoveries are part of the ongoing effort by the Delta Police Command to dismantle armed gangs and reduce the incidence of violent crime in the state.

The Commissioner of Police commended the bravery and quick response of the officers involved, reiterating the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order across Delta State.

He also warned criminal elements that the police would not relent in their pursuit of justice and the protection of law-abiding citizens.

Abaniwonda used the occasion to appeal to the public for continued cooperation with the police, urging residents to provide timely information that could assist in apprehending criminals.

He reassured the public that the Delta State Police Command is intensifying its operations to ensure the safety of communities, particularly those affected by kidnapping and armed robbery.

The police also appealed to hospitals and local clinics to report any individuals seeking treatment for gunshot wounds, as this could lead to the arrest of fleeing gang members who were injured during the firefight.

The command believes that these criminals are still within the vicinity and are likely seeking medical assistance under false pretences.

The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by security agencies in tackling organised crime in Nigeria, particularly in areas plagued by kidnapping and armed violence.

The Delta State Police Command has reiterated its determination to continue its crackdown on criminal networks, pledging to deploy all necessary resources to safeguard lives and property across the state.

As investigations continue, the Delta Police Command remains on high alert, determined to bring all those involved in the criminal syndicate to justice.

The command’s proactive approach in this case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the importance of community support in the fight against crime.