Police neutralise suspected kidnapper/ armedrobber, recover arms in Delta Community

Delta State Police Command has neutralised one suspected kidnapper/ armedrobber identified as Joel Joseph, who is a native of Ekakpamre Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State and recovered from him, one AK47 Rifle loaded with ten (10) rounds of live ammunition.

In a press statement signed by Police Public  Relations Officer, Delta State Command, SP Edafe Bright said, on 16th May, at about 0200 hours,the Police team stormed Inene Community in Ughelli North Local Government Area to trail the suspect. According to the statement, upon the suspect sighting the Police team, he opened  fire and the Police retaliated and in the process the suspect sustained various degrees of injuries from gunshots.The suspect was rushed to Ughelli General Hospital but could not make it as he died while receiving treatment. Efforts are on to get other members of gang arrested.

Part of the statement reads: "The team again recorded another major achievement on 16/5/2024 at about 0200hrs, when they stormed Inene Community in Ughellli North LGA, Delta State, on the trail of the leader of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate known as Joel Joseph, who is a native of Ekakpamre Community in Ughelli North LGA Delta State. The Suspect upon sighting the operatives opened fire on the operatives, and in the ensuing gun duel, the suspect sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the General Hospital Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment. One AK47 Rifle loaded with ten (10) rounds of Live Ammunition was recovered from him. Efforts are being intensified to arrest other gang members.."

In a related development, the Police has arrested one suspected gun runner identified as Friday Emmanuel, a 43- year -old male  from Morsogar, Ethiope-West Local Government, Delta State. According to the statement,on 16th May,2024, at about 0945hrs, operatives of Safe Delta deployed to Head-Bridge, Asaba, who were on stop and search duty, intercepted a white Toyota Hiace REG NO; AYB573XC) which was driven by the arrested suspect. 

Upon subjecting the said vehicle to search, eight hundred and seventy-five rounds of live cartridges concealed in a sack wrapped with pieces of clothes were recovered.  And suspect was arrested for further investigation, and the exhibit  impounded. At the time of  filling in this report, investigation is on going.

The statement further said, the Delta State Commissioner of Police,CP Abaniwonda Olufemi has  reiterated  that through these proactive measures  being implemented, the Command would  curb crime and further broaden the outreach of the Police in creating a safe and secured  environment for the  communities. According to him, members of the public should provide use information to the  Police to aid them  fight crime and criminality in the state.