Suspected Kidnappers Ambush Police in Retaliation Attack in Abraka

Fresh unrest has erupted in the Abraka community of Delta State following a deadly ambush on security personnel by suspected kidnappers, just hours after a successful joint operation claimed the lives of four armed abductors.

The attack, believed to be a retaliatory strike, occurred after police, local hunters, and vigilantes stormed a known kidnapper hideout in the early hours of Wednesday, recovering an AK-47 rifle and ammunition during the operation. According to police sources, the assault followed credible intelligence about kidnapping activities around the Abraka Railway axis.

Security sources said that during the initial raid, four suspects were fatally shot while several others escaped with injuries. One of the slain suspects was reportedly identified by a recently rescued victim as the gang’s leader.

But calm was short-lived.

Later that day, suspected associates of the slain kidnappers reportedly set up roadblocks and launched an ambush on incoming vehicles, targeting security operatives who had been deployed to reinforce the area. Eyewitnesses say a fierce gun battle ensued, with unconfirmed reports suggesting casualties among police and local vigilantes.

The violence comes amid mounting local tensions following the killing of two residents earlier in the week during a land transaction in a nearby bush. A man Marcus Dafe, was reportedly shot and killed allegedly by the same criminal group.

The escalating violence has led to confrontations between local residents and members of the northern community living in Abraka, further raising security concerns. In response to the growing unrest, the Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has convened an emergency security meeting in Asaba.

Meanwhile, Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka, has temporarily suspended academic activities due to safety concerns.

Police spokesperson SP Bright Edafe confirmed the initial operation and expressed concern over the ambush, stating that investigations are ongoing and security efforts are being intensified across the region.

As of press time, the exact number of casualties from the ambush remains unclear, but sources confirm that several security operatives sustained injuries.