Delta Police Foil Gang Rescue Attempt, Kill ‘Double Agent’
Commander Liberty Neutralised in Police Operation
THE Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of a notorious kidnapping suspect, Liberty Kunu, popularly known as “Commander Liberty” or “Double Agent,” following a fierce gun duel between police operatives and armed gang members in Sapele area of the state.
The confirmation was contained in a press briefing issued on 30 January 2026, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola. According to the Command, the suspect died from gunshot injuries sustained during an ambush while police operatives were retreating from a forest hideout in Ibada-Elume community.
Operation Triggered by Kidnapping Complaints
CP Adesola explained that the operation was launched after the Command received multiple complaints linking Liberty Kunu and his gang to kidnapping, abduction, and other violent crimes across Sapele and its environs.
“I directed the Divisional Police Officer, Sapele, to deploy all operatives to thoroughly investigate the syndicate and confirm the authenticity of the complaints,” the Commissioner said.
The investigation intensified after a reported abduction on 17 January 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., along Boyo Road Junction, Sapele. According to the police, three victims were abducted during the incident, though one managed to escape while being transported into the bush and later reported the matter at a police station.
“The remaining two victims were robbed of valuables estimated at about ₦9 million,” CP Adesola disclosed.
Arrests and Arms Recovery
Preliminary findings revealed that the abduction was carried out by a criminal syndicate allegedly led by Liberty Kunu, who reportedly operated under the guise of a security volunteer.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, working with the Sapele Division, arrested Liberty Kunu and several members of his gang. Those arrested include Twale Golly (33), Michael Kunu (25), Israel Ugwu (30), Ogaga Power (43), and Mercy Kunu (28).
The police recovered five pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, and other incriminating items from the suspects.
AK-47 Recovered from Forest Hideout
Further investigations, CP Adesola revealed, indicated that Liberty Kunu was a suspected member of the Aye confraternity and was believed to be in possession of an AK-47 rifle. When confronted, the suspect reportedly admitted to the claim.
At about 11:35 p.m. on 28 January 2026, the suspect led police operatives to a forest hideout in Ibada-Elume community, where one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated revolver were recovered from thick vegetation.
Gun Duel and Death
Trouble erupted while the team was withdrawing from the area. According to the Commissioner, hoodlums suspected to be members of the gang ambushed the police team along the Ibada-Elume Express Road in an attempt to rescue the suspect.
A gun battle lasting over ten minutes ensued, during which the police vehicle was riddled with bullets. Although some operatives sustained gunshot injuries, the attackers eventually fled after running out of ammunition.
Liberty Kunu was rushed to the hospital alongside injured officers but was confirmed dead on arrival. His remains have been deposited at the General Hospital, Sapele.
CP Adesola assured residents that investigations are ongoing and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ridding Delta State of criminal elements.
