Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have apprehended a notorious kidnap kingpin, Abubakar Usman, popularly known as Shehu, in a sting operation that also resulted in the death of four members of his gang.
The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Monday.
He explained that the suspect was arrested during a well-coordinated sting operation on Thursday, April 10, following credible intelligence on the activities of a deadly kidnapping syndicate operating in 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 said.
According to the statement, Usman confessed to masterminding several high-profile abductions, including the kidnapping of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku, the abduction and murder of Mr. Godwin Anuka’s wife and daughter in Ogwashi-Uku, and the killing of Ms. Esther Ojoh in Ibusa.
In the course of the investigation, Usman led officers to the gang’s hideout in a forest along the Asaba/Agbor Expressway, where they came under heavy gunfire from his associates.
A fierce exchange ensued, resulting in the death of four gang members.
“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.
In a separate operation in Kano State, police arrested three suspects, Abdul Sadiq (43), Ahmad Muazu (22), and Aliyu Sharif (40), at Dorayi Babba.
Acting on a tip-off, the operatives recovered 15 locally fabricated revolver rifles, 102 live cartridges, and six expended shells.
“Investigations are ongoing to locate the illegal arms factory and apprehend additional suspects connected to the operation,”; the police spokesperson added.
Commending the officers for their bravery, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reaffirmed the Force’s commitment to combating violent crimes.
“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.
