Operatives of the Delta State Anti‑Kidnapping Unit (SAKU), working with local security volunteers, killed a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK‑47 rifle loaded with five rounds of live ammunition during an early‑morning operation in the Ubulu‑Okiti forest on 18 May 2026.
Police said the operation followed intelligence linking the suspects to a string of abductions in Ubuluku, Ubulu‑Okiti, Issele‑Uku and neighbouring communities. Officers tracked the suspected members of the syndicate to a hideout in the forest, where the suspects opened fire on them.
“The team responded professionally with superior firepower,” the command said. One suspect sustained serious gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital, where a doctor pronounced him dead.
Several other suspects fled into the forest with varying injuries.
At the scene police recovered an AK‑47 rifle loaded with five rounds, and items described as suspected criminal charms. A thorough combing of the forest and surrounding areas is ongoing as officers seek to arrest the fugitives and recover additional evidence.
Delta State Commissioner of Police CP Yemi Oyeniyi praised the bravery and professionalism of the operatives and reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence‑led, community policing to dismantle criminal networks. He urged residents to keep providing credible and timely information to help secure the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, issued the statement on 19 May 2026 from Asaba.