The Delta State Police Command’s special anti-kidnapping unit deployed to the Ughelli area has eliminated a suspected kidnapper in a shootout, leading to the arrest of three others who are currently in police custody.

The Command said one AK 49 rifle was recovered by the police team from the hideouts of the hoodlums, mentioning the investigation was ongoing.

This was contained in a statement signed by the police public relations officer for Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Saturday.

The statement disclosed that the police team, acting on credible intelligence gathered over a period and an in-depth technical intelligence related to the kidnapping of one male victim (name withheld) kidnapped on 17th May 2024 at his residence in the Adjakota area in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State and later murdered by the kidnappers, cracked down the deadly kidnapping syndicate responsible for the act.

“The police operatives, on July 1, 2024, at about 1200hrs, reportedly stormed the hideouts of the suspected kidnappers and arrested one Ismaila Umaru (28), of Kekura village, Awe LGA of Nasarawa State but resident at Oghara town by Power Line in Delta State.

“Umaru, on July 4, 2024, at about 2030hrs, led operatives to the arrest of two other gang members namely Chede Mohammed, (18), a native of Nasarawa State but resident at Agwara in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State and Mohammadu Sani (26), a native of Banbiru area of Abuja but resident at Upper Agbarho Area of Ughelli North.

“Acting on their confession, the police team on July 5, at about 0530hrs, stormed the bush by Oviri-ogor in search for other gang members. The operatives however encountered an attack from the other gang members and during the gun duel, one of the suspects hiding in the bush sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital where he gave up the ghost while receiving treatment,” the statement read partly.

PUBCH Metro recalls that the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, on resumption of duty as the 22nd Police Commissioner in Delta State, reacted to the incessant kidnappings in Ughelli axis, which necessitated the change in the security architecture in Ughelli, and deployment of a new Divisional Police officer to Ugheli Division.

The CP also directed the deployment of a special operations team to Ughelli led by ASP Julius Robinson with a clear mandate to flush out kidnappers in the area.

The proactive measures taken by the CP have since been yielding positive dividends as manifested in the noticeable successes recorded so far by the special teams.

The 9-year-old herself made this request and I believe this should be favourably considered and accepted. My grand-niece had been released to go out with her cousins on several occasions.

“The Governor’s daughter, Nike, was at Sophia’s house with the Governor’s grandson last Christmas Day, despite the fact that there wasn’t ample notice & she was still granted access.

“Two months ago, the Governor’s son, Sina Rambo, requested a play date between the kids & Sophia rented out a children’s place in Victoria Island for them to spend hours together. The only time she couldn’t join her father’s family was when her grandfather requested to go on vacation with her for three weeks last year, as the notice was too short, and Sophia had already paid for their own trips, due to a lack of communication between the parents.”

Momodu, therefore, urged both parties to prioritise their daughter’s well-being and compromise on custody and financial responsibilities and urged them to avoid rhetorics in the media.

He added, “The court yesterday referred the case for possible settlement by the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) section of the court during Settlement Week, and I strongly advise that David (and Sophia) engage truly with the process as opposed to making harmful and irreversible statements on social media which not only violate the law but the interest of their child. I have, in the past 9 years, tried my best to ensure amicable resolution of disputes and encouraged both parents to have a proper structure put in place for the welfare of their daughter.

“It is important to note that Sophia did not instigate this court action and is only seeking to protect their daughter and ensure that there is a structured, safe and sustainable manner in which father and child can engage with each other.

“The vitriolic rhetoric in the media should be avoided by all means, as this only further inflames what is already a traumatic experience for all parties involved, especially the child in question.