Gunfire In Ughelli! Police Raid Forest Hideout, Kill Two Suspected Kidnappers As Others Escape!
By Passman Akpos
The Delta State Police Command has announced the death of two suspected kidnappers and armed robbers following a gun battle with police operatives during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and were subsequently rushed to a hospital, where medical personnel confirmed them dead.
According to a press statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, the operation was carried out by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), working in collaboration with the Ughelli Vigilante.
The police said the operatives acted on credible intelligence before storming a suspected criminal hideout located in a forest at Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The operation reportedly commenced at approximately 8:35 p.m.
Recounting how the confrontation unfolded, the police explained that the suspects opened fire immediately after sighting the approaching security operatives, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspects opened fire, prompting a gun duel during which two suspects sustained gunshot injuries, while others fled into the forest,” the statement disclosed.
Following the exchange of fire, the injured suspects were evacuated to a nearby hospital for medical attention. However, doctors subsequently confirmed them dead.
Items recovered from the suspected criminal hideout included one AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks, which the police said were recovered during the operation.
The recovery of the firearm and ammunition comes amid ongoing security efforts to dismantle criminal networks allegedly responsible for kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent activities across Delta State.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, Samuel Erale, reiterated the command’s commitment to confronting criminal elements and ensuring the safety of residents.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activities.
The police command further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects who escaped into the forest during the gun battle.
The latest operation underscores the continuing security challenges confronting parts of Delta State, particularly the need for sustained intelligence gathering, community cooperation and coordinated security operations to tackle kidnapping and armed robbery.
Tarakirivoice Newspaper will continue to monitor developments surrounding the operation and efforts by security agencies to apprehend the suspects who escaped.
