Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Delta State Police have successfully dismantled a kidnapping and armed robbery syndicate led by Liberty Kunu, also known as Commander Liberty or Double Agent, following a series of coordinated operations across Sapele and surrounding areas. The operation resulted in the death of Liberty Kunu, the arrest of several gang members, and the recovery of multiple firearms, including an AK-47 rifle.
The crackdown followed complaints regarding Liberty Kunu and his gang, who reportedly operated under the guise of security volunteers (SOS), engaging in kidnappings, abductions, and armed robbery. On January 17, 2026, at approximately 6:00 p.m., police received a report that three individuals had been abducted at Boyo Road Junction in Sapele. One of the victims managed to escape and alerted authorities, revealing that the other two had been robbed of valuables estimated at nine million naira.
Acting on intelligence from the surviving victim, operatives from the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) and Sapele Division mobilized to apprehend Liberty Kunu and his associates. The arrests included Twale Golly (33), Michael Kunu (25), Israel Ugwu (30), Ogaga Power (43), and Mercy Kunu (28). During the operation, police recovered five pump-action guns, a Beretta pistol, and other weapons and accessories linked to the gang.
Further investigation identified Liberty Kunu as a member of the Aye confraternity and confirmed suspicions that he possessed an AK-47 rifle. On January 28, at approximately 11:35 p.m., Liberty Kunu guided operatives to a hideout in Ibada-Elume community for the recovery of the rifle. Police recovered one AK-47 and a locally fabricated revolver from the bush during the operation.
As the team attempted to retreat along the Ibada-Elume Express Road, they were ambushed by hoodlums suspected to be gang members attempting to rescue Liberty Kunu. A prolonged gun duel ensued, lasting over ten minutes, during which the suspects, despite being heavily armed, eventually exhausted their ammunition and fled with gunshot injuries. Liberty Kunu and some police operatives sustained injuries during the confrontation. Liberty was pronounced dead upon arrival at General Hospital Sapele, while other gang members remain in police custody as investigations continue.
Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Aina Adesola, affirmed that the command remains resolute in its efforts to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes in Delta State. The operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and inter-divisional collaboration in dismantling criminal syndicates that threaten public safety.
The police have urged the public to continue providing credible information to assist in identifying and apprehending other criminal elements operating in the state, reinforcing the commitment of the Delta State Police Command to safeguarding lives and property.
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