Delta Police Neutralise Notorious Kidnapper, Recover AK-47, Pump-Action Guns in Sapele Operation

The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained fight against kidnapping and violent crimes with the neutralisation of a notorious suspected kidnapper, arrest of his gang members, and recovery of high-grade firearms.

Addressing journalists in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, disclosed that the operation followed a series of complaints bordering on kidnapping, abduction and other heinous crimes allegedly perpetrated by one Liberty Kunu, popularly known as “Commander Liberty” or “Double Agent”, and his gang in Sapele and its environs.

According to the CP, on January 17, 2026, at about 6:00pm, the Command received a distress report on the abduction of three persons at Boyo Road Junction, Sapele. While being conveyed to the bush, one of the victims managed to escape and promptly reported the incident at a police station. The remaining two victims were dispossessed of valuables estimated at about ₦9 million.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the abduction and armed robbery were carried out by a syndicate led by Liberty Kunu, who allegedly operated under the guise of a security volunteer group known as SOS.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, operatives of the Commissioner of Police–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), in collaboration with officers of the Sapele Division, arrested Liberty Kunu and five members of his gang. Those arrested include Twale Golly (33), Michael Kunu (25), Israel Ugwu (30), Ogaga Power (43), and Mercy Kunu (28). The operatives recovered five pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol and other incriminating items.

Further investigations revealed that Liberty Kunu was a suspected member of the Aye confraternity and was believed to be in possession of an AK-47 rifle. Upon confrontation, the suspect admitted the claim and, at about 11:35pm on January 28, 2026, led operatives to a hideout in the Ibada-Elume community. A search of the forest led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated revolver.

However, while the police team was retreating and approaching the Ibada-Elume Express Road, they were ambushed by armed hoodlums suspected to be members of the gang who attempted to rescue the suspect. A fierce gun battle ensued for over ten minutes. The police team, relying on superior firepower, successfully repelled the attackers, who fled with suspected gunshot injuries. The operational vehicle of the police was riddled with bullets during the exchange.

Liberty Kunu and some police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and were rushed to the hospital. The suspect was confirmed dead on arrival, and his remains were deposited at the General Hospital, Sapele.

CP Aina Adesola confirmed that other arrested members of the gang are currently in custody as investigations continue, assuring residents of Delta State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to flushing out criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property.