Delta State Police have thwarted a planned kidnapping and recovered firearms and other items after suspected kidnappers fled, abandoning soaked garri and ammunition during a raid.
The operation, carried out by the CP Special Assignment Team, came in response to credible intelligence about the criminals’ hideout in Upper Agbarho.
According to a statement on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, about six suspected kidnappers were spotted in the area on January 11, prompting a coordinated operation around 9:35 p.m.
The suspects reportedly opened fire on the operatives but were overpowered by superior police firepower, forcing them to flee. In the process, the suspects abandoned soaked garri, ammunition, and other incriminating items at the scene.
Photographs released by the police showed a bowl of soaked garri with three spoons, nylon bags of groundnut and garri, sachets of alcoholic drinks, matches, lighters, one FNC rifle loaded with a live round, and a pump-action gun with 32 live cartridges. All exhibits were recovered and taken into custody.
ALSO READ:Lucia Onabanjo, widow of ex-Ogun gov, Olabisi Onabanjo, dies at 100
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, commended the officers for their swift action and effective intelligence-led operation.
He reiterated that the command “remains resolute in denying criminal elements the space to operate,” warning that Delta State will continue to be hostile to criminality.
A manhunt has been launched to apprehend the suspects who escaped, signaling intensified pressure on kidnappers in the region.
This latest incident, where suspects fled and abandoned soaked garri and ammunition during the police raid, underscores the commitment of security agencies to protecting communities across Delta State.