No fewer than five suspected kidnappers were killed during a gunfight with the Delta State Police Command at their hideout in a forest in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
SP Bright Edafe, the state police public relations officer, reported on Wednesday that three individuals were detained following the gunfight, including the gang boss, Adamu Abubakar, also known as Dogo.
He explained that Abubakar was detained at approximately 11 p.m. on March 21, 2025, following an intelligence-led operation into kidnapping and related crimes in the Ughelli North LGA and nearby areas.
Edafe said, “Operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on the gathered intelligence, trailed and arrested Adamu Abubakar, popularly known as ‘Dogo’, who is the leader of a kidnapping syndicate at DSC roundabout, Warri.
“The arrest and interrogation of this suspect led to the arrest of two other suspects, Abubakar Mohammed, popularly known as ‘Chede’, and Mohammed Bellow, at Otovwodo Park in Ughelli North LGA.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects are allegedly responsible for a series of kidnappings and armed robberies around Iyamuge, Otu-Jeremi, Warri, Ughelli, and environs.”
Based on the defendants’ confessions, Edafe claimed that they took operatives to the Iyamugo Forest, where a stash of hidden weapons was discovered.
The materials confiscated were one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, three locally built firearms, two magazines, 60 rounds of AK-47 live ammo, and 17 live cartridges.
“Upon exit from the forest, some hoodlums suspected to be their gang members engaged the police in a gun duel, during which five of the hoodlums sustained gunshot injuries while others escaped.
“The injured suspects were taken to the hospital and later died while receiving treatment. The three suspects and the exhibits are in custody while the investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.
