The Delta State Police Command has neutralised a suspected member of a kidnap gang during a shootout in the Ughelli North Local Government area.

The command’s spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, told journalists on Friday in Warri that the other members of the gang escaped during the shootout.

Mr Edafe said the incident occurred on Thursday near the Adjekota-Ogor communities of Ughelli North.

He said the team of police operatives deployed by the Commissioner of Police (CP), Olufemi Abaniwonda, intercepted and engaged the hoodlums, resulting in the death of one of the gang members.

Mr Edafe said the team led by ASP Julius Robinson, acting on credible intelligence, stormed a criminal hideout on the Ughelli/Patani Road by an abandoned filling station.

“The hoodlums, on sighting the police, opened fire on the team, and the police responded.

“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,” he said.

Mr Edafe said two Beretta pistols and five rounds of live ammunition were recovered from the gang members.

The command’s spokesman said a manhunt was already underway for the fleeing members of the gang.

Mr Edafe also said the police special team arrested four robbery/kidnap suspects in Sapele Town on Wednesday.

He said Mr Robinson led the police team to the suspects’ hideout in Sapele and effected the arrest.

According to him, one locally made, cut-to-size gun was recovered from the suspects.

Mr Edafe said preliminary investigation revealed that aside from the hoodlums’ involvement in cult-related activities, they were also suspected to be armed robbers.

The police spokesman said an investigation into the case was ongoing.

(NAN)