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ASABA, Nigeria – May 19, 2026 – The Delta State Police Command has announced the death of a suspected kidnapper following an early morning firefight in a forest hideout, with operatives recovering one AK-47 rifle and five rounds of live ammunition.

According to a press release issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP. Bright Edafe, the operation was carried out in the early hours of May 18, 2026, by the State Anti-Kidnapping Unit (SAKU) in collaboration with local security volunteers.

Acting on intelligence gathered from ongoing investigations into recent abductions, the team tracked suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate to their hideout in the Ubulu-Okiti forest axis. The gang is believed to be responsible for a series of kidnapping operations in Ubuluku, Ubulu-Okiti, Issele-Uku, and surrounding communities.

Police said that as soon as operatives arrived at the hideout, the suspects opened fire. The team responded with superior firepower, during which one suspected kidnapper sustained serious gunshot wounds. The remaining suspects fled into the forest with varying degrees of injury.

Recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition, alongside suspected criminal charms. The injured suspect was rushed to a hospital, where a doctor confirmed him dead on arrival.

A comprehensive combing operation of the forest and adjoining areas is now underway to arrest the fleeing suspects and recover additional exhibits.

The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, praised the bravery and professionalism of the operatives, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led, community-based policing aimed at dismantling criminal networks across the state.

The Command urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information, assuring residents that all operational strategies are being intensified to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Delta State.