Two suspected kidnappers have been killed in Delta State. Operatives of the Delta State Police Command neutralised them during a gun battle in Ughelli North Local Government Area. The shootout occurred on 31 October 2026. The police recovered an AK-47 rifle and 26 rounds of live ammunition.
Kidnapping is a persistent problem in Delta. In 2024, police rescued several victims from forest hideouts in Ughelli and Isoko. In 2025, similar operations targeted camps in Ethiope East. The forests provide cover. The gangs use the creeks to move victims. The police rely on intelligence and vigilante cooperation. The pattern repeats because the ransom economy remains profitable.
The command’s spokesperson, Bright Edafe, issued a statement. He said operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team acted with the Ughelli vigilante group on credible intelligence. They raided a suspected criminal hideout in a forest in Ekrerhavwe. The suspects opened fire on sighting the operatives. A gun duel followed. Two suspects sustained gunshot injuries. Others fled into the forest.
The injured suspects were taken to hospital. A doctor confirmed them dead. Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects. The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, reiterated the command’s commitment to combating kidnapping and armed robbery. He urged residents to provide credible information.
Winners: The police, which demonstrated capacity. The vigilante group, which assisted. Residents of Ughelli North, who gained temporary relief. Losers: The two suspects killed. The gang, which lost weapons and operatives. Fleeing suspects, who remain at large. Communities that face the next attack. The families of kidnapping victims, who still await justice.
Bottom Line: Two kidnappers killed. An AK-47 recovered. The police acted on intelligence. The forest remains dangerous. The gang will regroup. The operation is a win. The war continues.