The Delta State Police Command has neutralised two suspected kidnappers and armed robbers during a gun duel with security operatives in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, recovering an AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and other suspected criminal materials.

Police spokesperson Bright Edafe who confirmed the development said the operation, which took place on October 31, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) about the activities of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers operating from a forest hideout in Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Edafe disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 8:35 p.m. by CP-SAT operatives in collaboration with members of the Ughelli Vigilante.

According to him, the security operatives stormed the suspected criminal hideout following intelligence reports, but the operation turned into a gun battle when the suspects allegedly opened fire on sighting the approaching security team.

The operatives reportedly responded to the attack, resulting in a gun duel during which two of the suspected criminals sustained gunshot injuries, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest.

The injured suspects were immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical attention but were subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor, he added

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks suspected to have been used by the fleeing criminals in carrying out their operations.

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that the command would sustain its intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks and rid the state of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale reaffirmed the command’s determination to strengthen security across the state and ensure that criminal elements had no safe haven in Delta.

Erale urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in identifying criminal hideouts and preventing criminal activities.

He assured residents that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven policing strategies and collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including local vigilante groups, to safeguard lives and property across the state.