From Joe Obukata Ogbodu, Warri
In a daring operation, the Delta Police Command successfully busted a hideout of kidnappers who attempted to abduct the wife of a Delta State House of Assembly member, killing two mobile policemen and the driver, Mr. David Imela, in the process.
The incident occurred on September 2, at Okoloba Junction, Jakpa Road, Uvwie LGA.
The police swiftly responded, recovering three AK-47 rifles and the operational vehicle with registration number WWR-436-GZ.
State Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the latest development in a statement to journalists in Warri, on Sunday, disclosed that three suspects involved in the attack were killed during a gun duel.
He said that weeks after the foiled kidnapping, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered water-tight deployment around Warri and environs, as well as narrowing the roads and blocking all exit points.
Edafe said that it didn’t take long as police operatives of the Ebrumede division, led by the DPO CSP Iwok Ndifereke, strategically deployed and created an artificial hold-up at the DSC roundabout and sighted the vehicle as described with a matching registration number.
According to him, on noticing the traffic and sighting the policemen, the hoodlums opened fire on the team, to which the team equally responded professionally, owning to the busy nature of the area.
He said that in the ensuing commotion, the hoodlums immediately abandoned the vehicle shattered with bullets and escaped with bullet injuries.
The police spokesman said that three (3) AK-47 rifles and their operational vehicle with registration no. WWR-436-GZ were recovered.
Miffed with their escape, the CP had directed the DPO Ebrumede to go all out for the suspects in a bid to arrest and bring them to book.
Edafe said that armed with available information and exhibits found in the abandoned vehicle, on October 3, the DPO Ebrumede Division CSP Iwok Ndifereke led operatives to their hideout in Agbarho.
He said that police, who were prepared for the battle, engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel and overpowered the hoodlums.
Three of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries, while others escaped. Another AK-47 rifle was also recovered.
The suspects were taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.
Meanwhile, the manhunt for the other fleeing members of the gang has been intensified.
Reacting to the development, Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda commended the bravery and effort of the DPO and his men, urging other officers to emulate them.
