A well-coordinated joint security operation in Delta State has led to the death of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery of millions of naira believed to be ransom money, alongside arms and ammunition.
The raid, which took place on Wednesday, July 30, in the Edo-Ogwashi area of Ogwashi-Uku, was carried out by a combined team of military personnel from the 63 Brigade, Asaba; operatives from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Ogwashi-Uku; the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Asaba; and Edo-Ogwashi community vigilantes.
Confirming the operation, human rights activist and security advocate, Harrison Gwamnishu, revealed that two of the suspects were neutralised on the spot, while others escaped with bullet wounds.
A video released by Gwamnishu showed the lifeless bodies of the slain kidnappers and weapons recovered from their hideout.
Items recovered during the operation include an AK-47 rifle, three loaded magazines, 16 rounds of live ammunition, and a substantial amount of money believed to be part of the ransom earlier paid by families of kidnap victims.
According to Gwamnishu, the syndicate was responsible for the recent abduction of two female students of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, who were taken from the Azagba-Ogwashi axis behind the Rain Oil Gas plant.
The gang also reportedly kidnapped an estate supervisor in Ubulu-Okiti, whom they shot during the abduction.
“The success of the operation was largely due to real-time intelligence provided by the tracking team from the Delta State Government House, Asaba,” Gwamnishu disclosed.
He commended the efforts of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for supporting grassroots security initiatives and equipping local security teams.
He also praised the swift response of the 63 Brigade Garrison Commander, the officers overseeing Oshimili North and Aniocha South, and the Divisional Police Officer of Ogwashi-Uku.
“This breakthrough proves that when communities and security agencies collaborate, criminals have no hiding place,” Gwamnishu said, noting that more operations will be carried out if credible intelligence is provided.
The development has drawn praise from residents of the Ogwashi-Uku community, who say they have long lived in fear of the criminal gang’s reign of terror.
Authorities are urging the public to report suspicious movements and assist in locating fleeing suspects, who may be receiving treatment for gunshot wounds.
The Delta State Police Command is yet to release an official statement as of press time, but community sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing and arrests may follow soon.
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