Kidnap Kingpin Killed in Delta Community, Rifle Recovered

The special squad deployed by Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, to Ughelli North Local Government Area, has neutralised the leader of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate in the locality.

The deceased kidnap kingpin known as Joel Joseph, a native of Ekakpamre community, was killed on May 16, 2024. This was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer for Delta State Command, Bright Edafe, in Warri on Monday.

According to the statement, the Special CP Squad, at about 0200hrs on May 16, 2024, following an intelligence, stormed the Inene community in Ughellli North LGA, on the trail of the leader of the dreaded kidnapping syndicate, Joel Joseph.

The suspect, upon sighting the operatives, opened fire on the operatives, and in the ensuing gun duel, he sustained serious gunshot injuries and was taken to the General Hospital, Ughelli where he died while receiving treatment.

One AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of live ammunition was recovered from him. The PPRO said efforts were being intensified to arrest other gang members as contained in the intel. The intelligence-led policing strategy of the CP Squad has been paying off leading to the arrest of over nine suspected kidnappers and recovery of firearms to date.

In another development, on May 16, 2024, at about 0945hrs, the operatives of Safe Delta deployed to the Head-Bridge, Asaba while on a stop-and-search duty, intercepted a white Toyota Hiace (Reg. No: AYB573XC, driven by one Friday Emmanuel, a 43-year-old male suspect from Morsogar, Ethiope-West LGA.

Upon subjecting the said vehicle to search, 875 rounds of live cartridges concealed in a sack wrapped with pieces of clothes were recovered. The suspect was arrested for further investigation, and the exhibit was impounded while an investigation was ongoing.

Meanwhile, Abaniwonda has assured the residents that “through these proactive measures that are being implemented, the command will curb crime and further broaden the outreach of the police in creating a safe and secure environment for our communities. On that note, the CP urged the public to have no hesitation in reaching out to the police through available means and providing useful, timely, and credible information.

Source: Punch