The Delta State Police Command has killed four suspected kidnappers and recovered weapons following a shootout in Ughelli North Local Government Area.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Monday in Warri.
According to him, the suspects were neutralised on March 9 during an exchange of gunfire with operatives from the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT).
The confrontation occurred in a bush near the railway line in the Agbarho community.
Edafe explained that one of the suspects had been earlier arrested while attempting to purchase an AK-47 rifle.
During interrogation, the suspect revealed the location where the weapon was hidden.
Acting on this information, the operatives moved into the area.
Upon sighting the officers, the gang opened fire, leading to a gun battle.
During the exchange, four of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries.
They were taken to the General Hospital in Ughelli for treatment but were later confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The police recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine from the scene.
The bodies of the deceased suspects have been deposited in the hospital morgue, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.