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The police in Delta State, yesterday, neutralised two suspected kidnappers and rescued their kidnapped couple unhurt along Warri-Sapele Road by Aziza junction.

The Command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Bright Edafe, who confirmed the incident, said two of the suspects escaped.

According to him, police operatives from Ovwian Aladja division on May 31, 2023, embarked on a confidence-building proactive patrol along DSC/Effurrun road, “received a distress call that a man and his wife (name withheld) were kidnapped and their Lexus Jeep (registration number withheld) taken also”.

He said: “The police swiftly trailed the escape route of the suspected kidnappers and eventually intercepted the vehicle, but when the hoodlums sighted the police, they opened fire on the team in a bid to escape, and the police responded, and in the process overpowered the suspects, who abandoned the kidnapped couples inside the vehicle and escaped.

“One AK47 rifle with breach number 16869, 46 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, one pump action gun, and 13 live cartridges were recovered from them.”

While expressing satisfaction with the conduct of the successful operation, he said the police are trialing the fleeing suspects to face the music.

Edafe, who vowed to force criminals to relocate or steer clear from the state, advised parents and community leaders to talk to their youths/wards not to take up arms to make a living because they will eventually meet a disastrous end.