By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Delta
Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have eliminated a notorious kidnap gang suspected to be behind the recent abduction of a medical doctor for whom N15 million was reportedly paid as ransom.
The deadly shootout occurred along the Issele-Uku axis, where officers of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team intercepted and engaged the suspects after weeks of painstaking intelligence and surveillance operations.
Police sources said the gang had been under close watch following a surge in abduction cases targeting professionals, including medical practitioners, in parts of Delta North.
Spokesperson of the Delta State Police Command, SP Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, described the outcome as a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crimes in the state.
“This was a well-coordinated tactical operation based on credible intelligence. Four members of a criminal syndicate that has been terrorising residents were neutralised during the exchange of gunfire,” he said.
He added that the suspects were also linked to several other high-profile kidnappings and that weapons and mobile phones recovered at the scene are currently being analysed.
“The Command will not relent in flushing out criminal elements wherever they may be hiding,” SP Edafe warned.
The successful operation has sparked widespread commendation from residents and medical professionals in the area, many of whom have been living in fear due to the growing trend of abductions.
A senior medical officer who pleaded anonymity said, “Doctors have become targets, and this is worrisome. We commend the police for their swift response and urge them to sustain the momentum.”
The identity of the rescued victim was not disclosed, but police assured the public that more details would be released upon completion of the investigation.