By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of a notorious kidnapping suspect, Liberty Kunu, popularly known as “Commander Liberty” or “Double Agent,” following a fierce gun battle with armed accomplices during a recovery operation in Sapele area of the state.

In a press briefing issued on January 30, 2026, and signed by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aina Adesola, the Command said the suspect died from gunshot injuries sustained when police operatives were ambushed by hoodlums believed to be members of his gang while retreating from a forest hideout in Ibada-Elume community.

CP Adesola said the operation followed “a series of complaints of kidnapping, abduction and other heinous crimes” allegedly linked to Liberty Kunu and his gang, prompting him to order an intensive investigation.

“I directed the DPO, Sapele, to deploy all operatives to unravel the activities of the syndicate and ascertain the authenticity of the complaints,” the Commissioner stated.

According to the police, on January 17, 2026, at about 6:00 p.m., the Command received a report of the abduction of three victims at Boyo Road Junction, Sapele. “One of the victims escaped on the way to the bush and reported at the police station,” CP Adesola said, adding that “the remaining two victims were robbed of valuables worth about ₦9 million.”

Preliminary investigation, he noted, revealed that the abduction and armed robbery were carried out by a syndicate allegedly led by Liberty Kunu, who “operated under the guise of security volunteers.” Acting on this intelligence, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team, in collaboration with the Sapele Division, arrested the suspect and members of his gang.

Those arrested, according to the Commissioner, include Twale Golly (33), Michael Kunu (25), Israel Ugwu (30), Ogaga Power (43), and Mercy Kunu (28). “Five pump-action guns, one Beretta pistol and other incriminating items were recovered from the suspects,” CP Adesola disclosed.

The police boss further revealed that investigations showed Liberty Kunu to be “a suspected member of the Aye confraternity” and that he was believed to be in possession of an AK-47 rifle. “When confronted with the facts, he admitted,” the Commissioner said.

CP Adesola stated that at about 11:35 p.m. on January 28, 2026, the suspect led operatives to a forest hideout at Ibada-Elume community, where “one AK-47 rifle and one locally fabricated revolver gun were recovered, hidden in thick vegetation.”

He added that trouble erupted while the team was withdrawing from the area. “Upon reaching the Ibada-Elume Express Road, the operatives were suddenly ambushed by hoodlums suspected to be members of the gang in an attempt to rescue the suspect,” he said.

According to him, “a serious gun duel ensued and lasted for over ten minutes,” during which the police vehicle was riddled with bullets. “The operatives, due to their superior firepower, engaged the suspects until they ran out of ammunition and fled with bullet injuries,” CP Adesola said.

The Commissioner confirmed that Liberty Kunu and some operatives sustained gunshot wounds and were rushed to hospital. “The suspect was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital,” he said, adding that “his corpse has been deposited at the General Hospital, Sapele.”

CP Adesola noted that other members of the gang remain in custody, stressing that “investigation is ongoing,” while assuring residents that the Command “will not relent in its resolve to rid Delta State of kidnappers and other criminal elements.”