Two suspected kidnappers have died after a gun battle with operatives of the Delta State Police Command.

The suspects died while receiving medical treatment in a hospital.

Two police operatives also sustained gunshot gunshot injuries in the encounter and are presently receiving treatment.

Delta State Police Public Relations Officer,SP Bright Edafe disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

The statement read, “Sequel to a series of reported cases of kidnapping/armed robbery around Upper-Agbarho Axis of Ughelli and environs. The commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed operatives of the CP Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) to carry out an intelligence-led investigation and ensure that these bad elements are arrested and brought to justice.

“In compliance with this directive, the operatives led by the commander ASP Julius Robinson on 30/9/2025 extended the investigation to Rivers and Imo States Command respectively and arrested one Abubakar Musa, m, 28yrs of Ajase town Irepodun LGA of Kwara State but resides at Abajo area Portharcourt and Yusuf Sale, m, 25yrs of Rimin-Zayam town Toro LGA Bauchi state but reside at New Owerri Area Owerri on 2/10/2025 and 4/10/2025 respectively.

“Upon interrogation, both suspects led operatives to a bush in between Upper Agbarho and Oviri – Ogor Communities in Ughelli North LGA, Delta State, where one (1) AK-47 rifle with its two (2) magazines and Forty-Three (43) rounds of live ammunition, one (1) pump action, and a locally made pistol were recovered.

“On their way out of the bush, the operatives met an ambush by other members of the gang in an attempt to free the suspects already in custody.

“The operatives engaged the suspects in a fierce gun duel, where the suspects and some members of their gang who came to rescue them sustained gunshot injuries.

“Two police operatives also sustained gunshot injuries and are presently receiving treatment.

“The injured suspects were also taken to the hospital where they died while receiving treatment. Exhibits recovered, and a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is ongoing.”