Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a notorious kidnap ringleader, Abubakar Usman, better known as Shehu, during a sting operation that also left four members of his gang dead.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the breakthrough in a statement released on Monday.
He said Usman was apprehended on Thursday, April 10, 2025, following actionable intelligence that exposed the activities of a deadly kidnapping syndicate operating across Delta State.
“Police operatives attached to the Delta State Command, on April 10, 2025, arrested one Abubakar Usman, alias Shehu, identified as the leader of a notorious kidnap gang,” Adejobi stated.
During interrogation, Usman admitted to orchestrating several heinous crimes, including the abduction of a medical practitioner in Issele-Uku, the kidnap and subsequent killing of Mr. Godwin Anuka’s wife and daughter in Ogwashi-Uku, and the murder of Ms. Esther Ojoh in Ibusa.
Further investigation led the operatives to the group’s base inside a forest along the Asaba/Agbor Expressway.
However, the team came under intense fire from gang members at the hideout.
“In the gun duel that followed, our operatives neutralized four of the gang members. We also recovered three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition from the scene,” Adejobi revealed.
Meanwhile, in an unrelated operation in Kano State, three suspects, Abdul Sadiq (43), Ahmad Muazu (22), and Aliyu Sharif (40)—were arrested at Dorayi Babba.
Acting on a tip-off, police officers recovered a cache of weapons from the suspects, including 15 locally made revolver rifles, 102 live cartridges, and six used shells.
“Investigations are ongoing to locate the illegal arms factory and apprehend additional suspects connected to the operation,” the police spokesperson added.
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, lauded the officers for their courage and professionalism, stressing the Force’s determination to rid the country of violent criminals.
“Our dedication to safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians remains unwavering. These successes reflect our resolve to rid the country of criminal elements,” the IGP stated.
