From Owen Akenzua, Asaba
Following a series of complaints of kidnapping, abduction and other heinous crimes against Liberty Kunu (popularly known as Commander Liberty or Double agent) and his gang, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola has directed the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, Sapele to deploy mercenaries to unravel their activities and ascertain the authenticity of the complaints.
According to the statement, on January 17, at about 1800hours, the command received a complaint of the abduction of three victims (names withheld). The victims were abducted at Boyo road junction in Sapele and taken to an unknown destination. One of the victims escaped, ran to the police station and reported. The other two victims were robbed of their valuables worth N9 million.
CP Adesola explained that preliminary investigation revealed that the syndicate led by Kunu, who operates in the guise of security volunteers (SOS) were responsible for the abduction and armed robbery.
Acting on this information, operatives of the CP-Special assignment team, in a combined effort with operatives of Sapele Division, swung into action and arrested Kunu and his gang members, including Twale Golly aged 33, Michael Kunu ‘m’ aged 25, Israel Ugwu aged 30, Ogaga Power aged 43 and Mercy Kunu ‘f’ aged 28. Operatives recovered five pump action guns, one Beretta pistol and other accoutrements.
Further investigation revealed that Kunu is a member of Aye confraternity and suspected to be in possession of an AK-47 rifle. When confronted with the facts, he admitted to the crimes. On January 28, he led operatives of CP-SAT to their hideout at Ibada-Elume community for the possible recovery of the Rifle.
Upon arriving the bush, the operatives recovered one AK-47 Rifle and one locally fabricated Revolver gun hidden in the thick forest. The team, while retreating, was suddenly ambushed by hoodlums suspected to be members of his gang.
In a bid to rescue him from the police, they had a serious gun duel that lasted for over ten minutes.
The team, who were battle-ready due to their superior firepower, engaged the suspects until they ran out of ammunition and fled with bullet injuries. The police operational vehicle was riddled with bullets. The suspect and some of the operatives sustained gunshot injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Kunu was confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital and his corpse was deposited at the General Hospital Sapele. Other members of his gang are still in custody, while investigation is ongoing.
