Operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team of the Delta State Police Command have neutralised five suspected kidnappers and recovered another three AK-47 rifles.
This is coming when a major in the British Army (name withheld) and his accomplices have been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) in connection with the smuggling into the country of over 50 AK 47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns and over 3,000 rounds of ammunition.
It was gathered that the suspects were picked up in Lagos and Asaba, the capital of Delta State.
The kidnappers, led by one Bellow Abubakar, have been terrorising Ubulu-Uku, Issele-Uku, Issele-Asagba and environs.
Acting on intelligence, the operatives stormed one of their hideouts in Agu-Amawbia forest, Anambra State, where they recovered one AK-47 rifle, 132 rounds of live ammunition.
According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, the investigation was extended to another of the criminals’ hideouts in a forest between Issele-Asagba and Otulu, where the said Bellow Abubakar and his gang members were waiting in ambush.
On sighting the policemen, the suspected kidnappers attacked them in a fierce gun battle, but the operatives, who were aware of the battle ahead, reciprocated in like manner.
The statement added that the suspects could not withstand the firepower of the operatives, as they ran in different directions with various degrees of bullet injuries.
Five of the suspects, including the said Bellow Abubakar, who could not escape due to the severity of their injuries, were taken to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.
Two additional AK-47 rifles and 18 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered in the forest, while a manhunt for other injured fleeing suspects is ongoing.
The British army officer, said to be an Itsekiri descent, allegedly procured the weapons at the behest of one Collins.
The British army officer was reportedly intercepted in Lagos while his associates were apprehended in Asaba.
A source said: ‘’An Itsekiri serving in the British Army is alleged to have procured weapons and ammunition at the behest of one Collins to instigate unrest over Warri INEC delineation.
“Operatives from the DSS Delta Command apprehended the arms supplier and several associates, seizing over 50 AK-47 rifles, six pump-action shotguns and more than 3,000 rounds of ammunition within Asaba suburb.
“All suspects are now in DSS custody. The DSS will carry out a full and transparent investigation and hold anyone found plotting tribal conflicts to account,’’ he revealed.
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