A suspected kidnapper died while receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Ughelli, a suburb of Delta State, the police have announced.
The Delta State Police Command spokesman, Edafe Bright, said in a statement on X on Monday, that the deceased was arrested alongside eight suspected kidnappers by a special squad deployed by the Commissioner of Police, Abaniwonda Olufemi, to Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA).
He added that the special squad, which had been carrying out an intelligence-led policing strategy in the area, also recovered some firearms from the suspects.
Also, in a related development, “on Thursday, May 16, 2024, around 0200 hrs, police stormed Inene Community in Ughelllli North LGA, Delta State, on the trail of Joel Joseph, the leader of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate and a native of Ekakpamre Community.
“One AK47 rifle loaded with ten (10) rounds of live ammunition was recovered from him.
“He added that efforts are being intensified to arrest other gang members, as contained in the intelligence.”
Edafe also disclosed that on Thursday, May 16, operatives of Safe Delta deployed to Head Bridge, Asaba, while they were on stop-and-search duty.
He said the force intercepted a white Toyota Hiace Bus (REG. NO: AYB573XC), driven by one Friday Emmanuel, a 43-year-old male suspect from Morsogar, Ethiope-West LGA, Delta State.
“Upon subjecting the said vehicle to search, eight hundred and seventy-five rounds of live cartridges concealed in a sack wrapped with pieces of clothes were recovered. The suspect was arrested for further investigation, and the exhibit was impounded. Investigation is ongoing,” Edafe said.
“CP Abaniwonda Olufemi reiterates that through these proactive measures that are being implemented, the Command will curb crime and further broaden the outreach of the police in creating a safe and secure environment for our communities.”
