Police neutralize dreaded kidnap kingpin in Delta community, arrest suspected gunrunner

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have neutralized the leader of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate during a gun duel and recovered one AK-47 rifle in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.  

Spokesperson of the command, SP Bright Edafe, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, May 20, 2024, said the suspect known as Joel Joseph, was killed by a special squad deployed to Ughelli North. 

The suspect, upon sighting the operatives, opened fire on the operatives, and in the ensuing gun duel, he sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the General Hospital, Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment. 

One AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunition was recovered from him.

The PPRO also disclosed that police operatives also arrested a suspected gun runner and recovered 875 rounds of live cartridges.

“The special squad deployed by CP Abaniwonda Olufemi to Ughelli North LGA has been embarking on an intelligence-led policing strategy that has been paying off leading to the arrest of over nine suspected kidnappers and recovery of firearms,” the statement read. 

“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 as contained in the intel.”

“On 16/05/2024 at about 0945hrs, operatives of Safe Delta deployed to Head-Bridge, Asaba while they were on stop and search duty, intercepted a white Toyota Hiace Bus (REG. NO: AYB573XC), driven by one Friday Emmanuel, a 43yrs old male suspect from Morsogar, Ethiope-West LGA, Delta State. 

“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. The suspect was arrested for further investigation, and the exhibit was impounded. Investigation is ongoing.

“CP Abaniwonda Olufemi reiterates that through these proactive measures that are being implemented, the Command will curb crime and further broaden the outreach of the police in creating a safe and secure environment for our communities. 

“On that note, there should be no hesitation in reaching out to the police through available means and providing useful, timely, and credible information. Members of the public can reach the command in cases of distress through the control room numbers on 08036684974, 08125958005

09053872287.”