A leader of a notorious kidnap gang identified as Isa Dei-dei have been killed by police operatives in a gun duel with members of his gang while they were planning another round of abduction in Abuja.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a post on his X handle on Wednesday said Dei-dei was killed by operatives of the Department of Force Intelligence-Intelligence Rapid Response Team (DFI-IRT) when information was received about the hideout of his bandit group and their kidnapping attempt.

“At about 1015HRS on the 5th of February 2024, operatives of the DFI-IRT, acting on intelligence, got information on the hideout of a notorious bandit group in the suburb of the FCT, led by one Isa Dei-Dei and immediately proceeded to the location for possible arrest.” Mr Adejobi stated.

The Force spokesperson added that upon sighting the police operatives, members of the kidnap gang fled into the bush, but were chased by police operatives who engaged them in a gun duel.

He added that Isa Dei-Dei was killed during the exchange of gunfire while other members of the group escaped with serious injuries from gunshots.

“Upon closing in on them, they sighted the police and fled. The operatives immediately went after them, which led to a fierce gun duel. In the process, the notorious Isa Dei-Dei was neutralized while other members of the syndicate managed to escape with gunshot injuries,” he said.

“We therefore urge members of the public, most especially medical practitioners, to call our attention to anyone or patients seen with gunshot wounds for further investigation,” he said.