Delta State Police Command said it has gunned down a suspected kidnaper in an exchange of fire with members of the kidnap gang.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state Command, Bright Edafe, in a statement made available to newsmen at the weekend, said that one AK-47 rifle and three magazines were recovered from the dead suspect prior to the exchange of gun fire.
Edafe, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said that in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, to DPOs, and Area Commanders on the need to sanitize their areas of responsibilities, by ensuring that criminals do not find comfort in the state, “The DPO ‘A’ Division Warri CSP T.Y Mahmud, acting on credible intelligence on 23/6/2023 at about 0645hrs, led operatives of ‘A’ Division Warri and stormed the hideout of a criminal gang located along Stadium Road, Warri, arrested a 58 year-old suspect and recovered one AK-47 rifle and three magazines.”
The Police spokesman said that upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member and armourer of the dreaded “Bobone” armed robbery gang terrorizing Warri and its environs.
Edafe said that the suspect also gave the Police additional information on the location of the other gang members and later led the Police to their hideout along Chevron Road, where the team on approaching the hideout, “came under serious attack by his gang members. But the suspect in an attempt to escape, was fatally maimed on his leg, thereby preventing his escape.
“His gang members escaped with gunshot injuries, while the suspect was taken to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment. Manhunt for the other gang members is ongoing.”
