Delta Police Smash Kidnap Syndicate, Rescue 3 Victims, Recover Rifle
By Oghenefejiro Emado
18, March 2026
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, rescuing three kidnapped victims, arresting a suspected kidnapper, and recovering an AK-47 rifle.
The operation followed a kidnapping report received at the Issele-Uku Division on March 16, 2026, which prompted the DPO, CSP Aderemi Badiru, to collaborate with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters to launch a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
The operation led to an intense exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the kidnapping syndicate, resulting in one suspect being fatally wounded and the rescue of the three victims, who have since been reunited with their families. Ahmadu Hassan, 22, of Kange Village, Nasarawa State, was arrested with gunshot injuries, and an AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition was recovered
The Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the operatives and partner security outfits for their bravery and synergy, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state.
Read full Press Release
18th March, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
DELTA STATE POLICE COMMAND SMASH KIDNAP SYNDICATE, RESCUE THREE VICTIMS, AND RECOVER ONE AK-47 RIFLE
The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against violent crime, successfully rescuing three kidnapped victims, arresting a suspected kidnapper, and recovering an AK-47 rifle following a fierce gun battle in Issele-Uku.
Sequel to a kidnapping report received at the Issele-Uku Division on 16th March 2026, the DPO, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing identified hideouts within the surrounding bush.
The operation culminated in an intense exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the kidnapping syndicate. During the encounter, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been safely reunited with their families.
Sustained combing of the surrounding bush led to the arrest of one Ahmadu Hassan (M), aged 22 years, of Kange Village, Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, who was found with gunshot injuries. A further search of the area resulted in the recovery of one (1) AK-47 rifle loaded with four (4) rounds of live ammunition.
Following the operation, one of the suspected kidnappers who sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire was later confirmed dead, and the corpse has been deposited in a mortuary. Meanwhile, the injured suspect is currently receiving treatment under Police custody, and efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate as investigations progress.
The Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, commended the gallantry and synergy displayed by the operatives and partner security outfits. He reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the State and urged residents to continue to support the Police with timely and credible information.
SP. BRIGHT EDAFE, ANIPR, FCIA, FIPMD
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
DELTA STATE COMMAND,
ASABA
