The Delta State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on kidnapping and violent crimes with the arrest of several suspected kidnappers, the recovery of multiple firearms, and the death of a notorious suspect following a gun battle with armed accomplices.
Briefing journalists on Friday 30, 2026, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, disclosed that the operation followed a series of complaints alleging kidnapping, abduction, and other heinous crimes linked to one Liberty Kunu, popularly known as Commander Liberty or Double Agent, and members of his gang.
According to the Commissioner, acting on the complaints, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Sapele was directed to deploy operatives to discreetly investigate the allegations and unravel the activities of the suspected syndicate.
The investigation gained momentum on January 17, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., when the Command received a report on the abduction of three persons at the Boyo Road junction in Sapele.
“One of the victims managed to escape while being taken to the bush and promptly reported at a police station,” CP Adesola said.
“The other two victims were dispossessed of valuables estimated at about nine million naira.”
Preliminary investigations revealed that the abduction and robbery were allegedly carried out by a syndicate led by Liberty Kunu, who reportedly operated under the guise of a security volunteer group known as SOS.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the CP–Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), in collaboration with personnel of the Sapele Division, swung into action and arrested the suspect alongside members of his gang.
Those arrested include Twale Golly (33), Michael Kunu (25), Israel Ugwu (30), Ogaga Power (43), and Mercy Kunu (28). During the operation, the police recovered five pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol, and other incriminating items.
Further investigations revealed that the principal suspect, Liberty Kunu, was a suspected member of the Aye confraternity and was believed to be in possession of an AK-47 rifle.
CP Adesola stated that when confronted, the suspect admitted to the claim and subsequently led operatives at about 11:35 p.m. on January 28, 2026, to a hideout in Ibada-Elume community, where one AK-47 rifle and a locally fabricated revolver were recovered from a forest location.
However, while operatives were returning from the operation along the Ibada-Elume express road, they were ambushed by hoodlums suspected to be members of the gang, who attempted to rescue the suspect.
A gun duel ensued between the police and the assailants, lasting over ten minutes.
“The operatives, relying on superior firepower and tactical response, successfully repelled the attack,” the Commissioner said.
“The attackers fled with gunshot injuries after exhausting their ammunition. The police operational vehicle was riddled with bullets.”
During the exchange, the suspect and some police operatives sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Liberty Kunu was confirmed dead on arrival, and his remains have been deposited at the General Hospital, Sapele.
CP Adesola noted that other arrested members of the gang remain in custody and that investigations are ongoing to apprehend fleeing suspects and dismantle the criminal network.
He reassured residents of Delta State of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to continue to support the police with timely and credible information to aid crime-fighting efforts across the state.
