The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, informed newsmen on Friday that the shootout took place on Thursday near the Adjekota-Ogor communities of Ughelli North. According to Edafe, a team of police operatives, deployed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olufemi Abaniwonda, intercepted and engaged the hoodlums based on credible intelligence, resulting in the death of one gang member.
“The team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, stormed a criminal hideout on the Ughelli/Patani Road near an abandoned filling station. Upon sighting the police, the hoodlums opened fire, prompting the police to respond. In the ensuing gun duel, one of the hoodlums sustained serious gunshot injuries while others escaped. The injured suspect was taken to the hospital where he died while receiving treatment,” Edafe stated.
Two Beretta pistols and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the gang members. A manhunt is currently underway for the fleeing suspects.
In a related operation, the police special team arrested four robbery and kidnap suspects in Sapele Town on Wednesday. ASP Robinson led the police team to the suspects’ hideout, resulting in the arrest and recovery of a locally made cut-to-size gun.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects were involved in cult-related activities and were also suspected to be armed robbers. Investigations into the case are ongoing.
