Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have killed two suspected kidnappers during a gun duel in Ogwuweka Forest, off the Benin-Auchi Expressway.
The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Jennifer Iwegbu, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, July 28, said arms and a vehicle were also recovered during the operation.
“The Edo state Police command in its operational mandate of curbing the menace of violent crimes and other related vices on the 28/07/2022 at about 0150hrs through its Divisional Police Headquarters at Egba in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area of Edo State arrested two suspected kidnappers,” the statement read.
“Following credible information during the police routine night patrol, the Divisional Police Officer led his police Operatives to a kidnapper’s hideout at Ogwuweka forest off the Benin-Auchi expressway.
“In the operation, two suspects were arrested who identified themselves as Mohammed Umar alias Smallie Bokolo ‘M’ 23yrs and Bashir Saidu ‘M’ 30yrs.
They also led the police Operatives to their operational camp which is deep inside the forest in the same community,”
The following items were recovered from the suspects; one Ak 49 rifle with 34 rounds of 9.9MM ammunition, two single barrel guns with 5 live cartridges, one blue saloon golf car with Reg. No EDO UBJ490AA from another location within the Benin metropolis.
“The suspects volunteered to lead operatives to another of their hideout and operational camp at Powerline by Urokhosa community, off Benin-Auchi road at about 0430hrs of the same date but were met by aggressive gunfire from the gang members at the camp which led to a gun duel with the police Operatives.
“The suspects were fatally injured and were confirmed dead.
“Meanwhile, intense bush combing of the area is ongoing for possible neutralization or arrest of other fleeing gang members.”
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Abutu Yaro, has urged the good people of the Edo State not to relent in giving prompt and viable information to the police.
He however reassured them of his continuous commitment to ensuring that the whole state is safe for all to go about their daily activities without fear or favour.
