The Delta State Police Command has neutralised two suspected kidnappers and armed robbers during a gun duel with security operatives in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state, recovering an AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and other suspected criminal materials.

Police spokesperson Bright Edafe who confirmed the development said the operation, which took place on October 31, 2026, followed credible intelligence received by operatives of the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT) about the activities of suspected kidnappers and armed robbers operating from a forest hideout in Ekrerhavwe, Ughelli North Local Government Area.

Edafe disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 8:35 p.m. by CP-SAT operatives in collaboration with members of the Ughelli Vigilante.

According to him, the security operatives stormed the suspected criminal hideout following intelligence reports, but the operation turned into a gun battle when the suspects allegedly opened fire on sighting the approaching security team.

The operatives reportedly responded to the attack, resulting in a gun duel during which two of the suspected criminals sustained gunshot injuries, while other members of the gang escaped into the surrounding forest.

The injured suspects were immediately evacuated to a hospital for medical attention but were subsequently confirmed dead by a medical doctor, he added

Items recovered from the scene included one AK-47 rifle, 26 rounds of live ammunition and two face masks suspected to have been used by the fleeing criminals in carrying out their operations.

The police said efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects, adding that the command would sustain its intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks and rid the state of kidnapping, armed robbery and other violent crimes.

The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has disowned the inclusion of the Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu, Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, in the Enugu State All Progressives Congress, APC, Campaign Council, saying he was listed without his knowledge or consent.

The Diocese also demanded the immediate removal of the bishop’s name and those of other Catholic priests allegedly included in the campaign council without their authorisation.

Obodo, who is also the Enugu State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, was reportedly named Director of the Faith-Based Campaign Group in the APC campaign council.

In a disclaimer dated October 30, 2026, and signed by the Diocesan Chancellor and Secretary, Very Rev. Fr. Wilfred Chidi Agubuchie, the Diocese described the inclusion as unauthorised, misleading and a misrepresentation of the bishop’s political disposition.

The statement said the action was a “malicious act of misrepresentation and defamation,” adding that it undermined the bishop’s integrity and ecclesiastical reputation.

“The Catholic Diocese of Enugu has become aware of reports concerning the inclusion of the name of Most Rev. Ernest Anezichukwu Obodo, Auxiliary Bishop of Enugu and Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Enugu State, as Director of the Faith-Based Campaign Group in the Enugu State APC Campaign Council, alongside the names of some Catholic priests.

“We categorically state that the inclusion of the Bishop’s name without his knowledge or consent is wholly unauthorised, misleading and unacceptable,” the statement said.

The Diocese stressed that the Catholic Church did not engage in partisan politics, participate in political campaigns or endorse political parties.

It said the Church remained politically neutral and committed to its spiritual mission and the promotion of peace, justice and the common good.

While acknowledging the right of individual Christians to participate in civic and democratic activities, the Diocese warned against using the name, office or identity of the Church and its ministers for partisan political interests.

“We therefore demand the immediate removal of Bishop Ernest Obodo’s name, as well as the names of all other Catholic priests included without their knowledge and consent, from the said campaign list and any related publications,” it said.

The Diocese further warned that any continued or subsequent unauthorised use of the bishop’s name, title, image or ecclesiastical office for partisan political purposes would attract appropriate legal action.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the Catholic Church is not a political campaign organisation and must not be presented as one,” the statement added.

The Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has charged personnel to uphold neutrality, professionalism and strict adherence to the rules of engagement ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He also warned officers against voter intimidation, abuse of citizens and obedience to unlawful orders, stressing that their conduct would be crucial to protecting Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring peaceful, credible elections.

Audi gave the charge at the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja while declaring open a three-day workshop for 216 officers drawn from the 36 state commands, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command and 18 zonal commands.

The workshop was organised to prepare personnel for election security duties, with emphasis on protecting electoral materials, election officials and other critical stakeholders.

The NSCDC boss said the Corps would not tolerate laxity in the discharge of election-related responsibilities, adding that officers must be adequately prepared to manage security challenges before, during and after the polls.

He stressed the importance of vigilance and the ability to de-escalate tense situations without resorting to force, while applying necessary force only when lawful and unavoidable

Audi also urged participants to familiarise themselves with the legal framework governing elections, operational procedures, intelligence gathering and collaboration with other security agencies to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

“We must not wait till Election Day to familiarise ourselves with electoral rules. The rules of engagement help officers to protect the process, citizens and defend the democracy that we are currently enjoying,” he said.

The NSCDC boss further emphasised that national interest must remain paramount in the discharge of their duties, warning personnel against abandoning their duty posts or engaging in conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the electoral process.