Two suspected kidnappers and armed robbers have died following a gun battle with police operatives during a raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
The suspects were reportedly shot during the operation at Ekrerhavwe community on Saturday, October 31, 2026, and later died in hospital.
The Delta State Police Command said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team, working with the Ughelli Vigilante, following credible intelligence about the suspected hideout in a forest.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, said the raid began at about 8.35pm, but the suspects opened fire when they sighted the operatives.
“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 said.
Edafe said the injured suspects were taken to a hospital, where a doctor confirmed them dead.
Items recovered from the hideout included one AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks.
The Commissioner of Police, Samuel Erale, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes in the state.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects.
