Security
Police Bust Kidnap Syndicate in Delta, Rescue Three Victims, Recover AK-47
The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on violent crime, rescuing three kidnapped victims, arresting a suspect, and recovering an AK-47 rifle after a gun battle in Issele Uku.
The operation followed a kidnapping report received at the Issele Uku Police Division on March 16, 2026.
Acting swiftly, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with military personnel, local vigilantes, and hunters, launched a coordinated search and rescue mission across identified hideouts in nearby bush areas.
The security team engaged members of the kidnapping syndicate in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the confrontation, one suspect was fatally wounded, while the three victims were successfully rescued unharmed and later reunited with their families.
Further combing of the area led to the arrest of a 22 year old suspect, Ahmadu Hassan, from Kange Village in Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
He was found with gunshot injuries. Operatives also recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition.
Police confirmed that another suspect who sustained gunshot wounds during the encounter later died, and his body has been deposited in a mortuary.
The arrested suspect is currently receiving treatment under police custody, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Aina Adesola, commended the bravery and coordination of the operatives and supporting security groups.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks and urged residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.
Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe also confirmed the development.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI in the early hours of Wednesday successfully repelled a coordinated multi directional terrorist attack on their positions in Mallam Fatori, Sector 3.
The insurgents advanced in large numbers on foot and deployed armed drones in an attempt to breach the defences at the 68 Battalion location, particularly around the Bravo Company axis from the Duguri area. However, they were met with strong and decisive resistance from troops.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI, troops had anticipated the attack and adopted a well coordinated offensive defensive strategy that effectively neutralised the threat.
Through disciplined firepower, coordinated manoeuvres and superior tactical execution, the attackers were overwhelmed and forced into retreat, with over 80 terrorists neutralised during the engagement.
The operation was further reinforced by precision close air support from the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI, alongside strike missions carried out by allied Nigerien air assets, which intensified pressure on the fleeing insurgents.
Exploitation of the battlefield led to the recovery of a large cache of arms and equipment, including 52 AK 47 rifles, eight PKT machine guns, seven RPG tubes, five General Purpose Machine Guns, over 3000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 21 RPG bombs, nine improvised explosive devices, as well as communication radios and components of armed drones.
Despite the scale of the attack, troop casualties were minimal, with four soldiers wounded in action and currently receiving treatment, while battle damage assessment of the air operations is ongoing.
Among those neutralised were three senior terrorist commanders identified as Mallam Abdulrahman Gobara, Mallam Ba Yuram and Abou Ayyuba. Several other fighters were also eliminated during the encounter, further weakening the insurgents operational capacity.
The statement described the outcome as a major setback for terrorist elements in the region, noting that the elimination of key commanders has disrupted their command structure and degraded their fighting capability.
Operation HADIN KAI reaffirmed that troops remain firmly in control of all locations within the theatre, maintaining dominance through sustained operations, effective collaboration and high morale.
The military urged members of the public to remain vigilant and disregard unverified reports aimed at undermining ongoing security efforts, assuring that the situation in Mallam Fatori and its environs remains under control.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Barau I. Jibrin, has reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to addressing public concerns over the proposed establishment of state police, as he received members of a Nigeria Police Force steering committee in Abuja.
The committee, constituted by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on March 4, 2026, is tasked with developing a comprehensive framework for the creation of state police across the country.
During the courtesy visit, the committee, led by its Chairman, Olu Ogunsakin, briefed the Deputy Senate President on its assignment and sought legislative guidance to strengthen its recommendations.
Senator Barau, who also chairs the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, commended the IGP for aligning policing reforms with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He urged the committee to design a system that promotes accountability, prevents misuse of power, and builds public trust through sustained enlightenment campaigns.
According to him, concerns raised by Nigerians during constitutional amendment hearings must be carefully addressed to ensure broad acceptance of state policing.
“We must create a structure that guarantees safety while also allaying the fears expressed by citizens,” he said.
Barau further noted that a bill before the Constitution Review Committee seeks to amend the 1999 Constitution to allow for the establishment of state and community police as part of efforts to strengthen grassroots security and enhance community participation in law enforcement.
He added that the Senate had already conducted zonal public hearings across the six geopolitical zones to ensure inclusivity and gather input from stakeholders nationwide.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have successfully repelled a coordinated infiltration attempt by suspected ISWAP terrorists in Mallam Fatori, Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, killing no fewer than 60 insurgents.
According to an operational report released on Wednesday, the attack occurred on Tuesday evening when terrorists targeted the 68 Battalion, Mobile Defence Area.
The report indicated that the assault was launched from the Duguri general area, focusing on the frontline position of Bravo Company. The attackers were said to be on foot and supported by armed drones.
However, troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), backed by air components, swiftly responded to the attack. The military neutralised the drones and forced the insurgents to retreat in disarray towards the Arege general area.
Initial battle assessments revealed that more than 60 terrorists were killed during the encounter, while four soldiers sustained minor injuries.
The military further disclosed that ongoing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations have identified at least six groups of suspected terrorists moving towards the Arege axis.
It added that clearance and exploitation operations are being planned to consolidate gains recorded during the encounter and prevent further attacks in the area.
A video released by the JTF showing the aftermath of the airstrike highlighted the operational effectiveness and precision of troops in the North-East theatre.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding civilians and sustaining pressure on terrorist elements across Borno State and neighbouring regions.