Delta Police Raid Forest Hideout, Kill Two Suspects As Others Escape
By MAY ETAGHERURE ATUZULO
THE Delta State Police Command has killed two suspected kidnappers and armed robbers during a gun battle with security operatives in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and other suspected criminal materials.
Police spokesperson, Bright Edafe, confirmed the development. He said the operation took place on 31 October 2026, following credible intelligence about suspected criminals operating from a forest hideout in Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North.
According to him, operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) carried out the operation at about 8:35 p.m. They also worked with members of the Ughelli Vigilante.
The security team stormed the suspected hideout after receiving intelligence about the activities of the alleged criminal gang. However, the operation turned violent when the suspects reportedly opened fire as the operatives approached.
Consequently, the officers returned fire, triggering a gun battle. Two suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while other gang members reportedly escaped into the surrounding forest.
The operatives immediately evacuated the injured men to a hospital for treatment. However, a medical doctor later confirmed them dead, Edafe said.
During the operation, the security team recovered one AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks. Police suspect that the fleeing criminals used the masks during their operations.
Meanwhile, the command said it had intensified efforts to track down and arrest the suspects who escaped. It also pledged to sustain intelligence-led operations against kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel E. Erale, reaffirmed the command’s determination to strengthen security and deny criminal elements safe havens in Delta.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible, timely information that could help security agencies identify criminal hideouts and prevent attacks.
Erale also assured the public that the command would continue to work with relevant stakeholders, including local vigilante groups, to protect lives and property throughout the state.
