The Delta State Police Command has smashed a kidnap syndicate and successfully rescued three kidnapped victims from their den in an Issele-Uku forest. The police added that an AK-47 rifle was recovered from the hoodlums by the security operatives following a fierce gun battle during the operation. It was gathered that the incident followed a kidnapping re port received at the Issele-Uku Police Division on March 16, 2026. The command’s Police Public Relations Officer for. SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement on Wednesday that “sequel to the report, the Divisional Police Officer, CSP Aderemi Badiru, in collaboration with the military, local vigilante groups, and hunters, swiftly mobilised and launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation, combing identified hideouts in the surrounding bush”. He added, “The operation culminated in an intense exchange of gunfire between security operatives and members of the kidnapping syndicate. During the encounter, one of the suspects was fatally wounded, while the three victims were rescued unharmed and have since been safely reunited with their families”. The police spokesman also disclosed that “sustained combing of the surrounding bush led to the arrest of one Ahmadu Hassan, aged 22 years, of Kange Village, in the Awe LGA, Nasarawa State, who was found with gunshot injuries. “A further search of the area resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle loaded with four rounds of live ammunition”. He added that one of the suspected kidnappers who sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire was later confirmed dead, and the corpse had been deposited in a mortuary. Edafe further said the other injured suspect “is currently receiving treatment in police custody, and efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate as investigations progress.” The state Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, commended the synergy displayed by the operatives and partner security outfits. According to the PPRO, the police boss reaffirmed the command’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks across the state. He urged residents to continue to support the police with timely and credible information.