The Delta State Police Command has confirmed the death of four suspected kidnappers during a shootout with officers in a forest between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba along the Asaba/Agbor expressway.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday in Asaba, following a sting operation by the Command’s Special Assignment Team.
The operation, according to the police, was in response to the abduction of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku on April 6, 2025. The victim was reportedly released the next day after a ransom of N15 million was paid.
“Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the Special Assignment Team launched an intelligence-led operation to apprehend the perpetrators,” Edafe stated.
During the operation on Friday, the team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, arrested a notorious suspect identified as Abubakar Usman, popularly known as “Shehu.” He was said to be the leader of a notorious gang responsible for multiple kidnappings in Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Ubulu-Uku, and surrounding communities.
“The gang was also responsible for the abduction and subsequent killing of an estate agent, Esther Ojoh, whose body was discovered on March 25, 2025,” Edafe added.
Usman also reportedly confessed to the kidnapping of the wife and daughter of one Mr. Godwin Anuka after murdering him in Ogwashi-Uku.
According to the police, while leading officers to the group’s hideout, Usman allegedly raised an alarm to alert his gang members and fled into the forest, triggering a gun battle with the awaiting criminals.
“In the ensuing exchange of fire, four members of the gang, including Usman, sustained serious gunshot injuries,” Edafe said. “They were taken to the General Hospital in Ogwashi-Uku, where they were confirmed dead.”
Recovered from the scene were three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
The Delta Police Command reiterated its commitment to flushing out criminal elements in the state and ensuring the safety of residents.
