Five suspected kidnappers, including a notorious gang leader, were killed when operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) stormed a hideout between Issele-Asagba and Otulu, Delta State, following a fierce exchange of gunfire.
According to a statement issued on 27 April 2025 by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the operatives had, on 21 April 2025, acted on credible intelligence linking Bellow Abubakar and his gang to a series of kidnappings in Ubuluku, Isseluku, Issele-Asagba, and surrounding areas.
Initial operations at a hideout in the Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State, led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and 132 rounds of live ammunition.
Further investigations revealed a second hideout in the forest between Issele-Asagba and Otulu, where the gang was lying in ambush.
Upon encountering the operatives, the suspects launched an armed attack, which was met with a swift and overwhelming response.
Outgunned, the suspects fled in various directions, many sustaining serious bullet wounds.
Five suspects, including Bellow Abubakar, were apprehended but later confirmed dead at the hospital due to the severity of their injuries.
The police recovered two additional AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the scene.
A manhunt is ongoing to apprehend other injured suspects who managed to escape.
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