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The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of a notorious kidnap syndicate leader, Liberty Kunu, aka ‘Commander Liberty,’ during a violent ambush by his own gang members. The incident occurred on Wednesday, January 28, following his arrest for a series of felonies.

According to a press briefing signed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, on Thursday, January 29, 2026 the suspect was leading operatives to a hidden arms cache in Ibada-Elume community, Sapele, when his gang attacked police forces in a failed rescue attempt.

The confrontation was the culmination of an investigation triggered by the abduction of three persons at Boyo Road Junction, Sapele, on January 17. One victim escaped to report the crime, while two others were robbed of valuables worth Nine Million Naira.

Police investigation identified Kunu, who operated under the guise of a security volunteer (SOS), as the mastermind. He was subsequently arrested alongside six gang members: Twale Golly (33), Michael Kunu (25), Israel Ugwu (30), Ogaga Power (43), and Mercy Kunu (28).

A preliminary recovery included five pump-action guns and a Beretta pistol. Further interrogation revealed Kunu, a suspected member of the Aye confraternity, also possessed an AK-47 rifle.

While escorting police to retrieve the rifle from an Ibada-Elume forest on January 28, his gang ambushed the police team. A prolonged gun duel ensued.

“Upon arriving at the bush, the operatives recovered one AK-47 Rifle and one locally fabricated Revolver gun,” CP Adesola stated. “The team, while retreating… was suddenly ambushed by hoodlums suspected to be members of his gang.”

Although police repelled the attack, Kunu and several officers sustained gunshot injuries. Kunu was pronounced dead on arrival at the General Hospital, Sapele. His corpse has been deposited at the hospital morgue.

The police operational vehicle was severely damaged by gunfire. The arrested gang members remain in custody as investigations continue.