Delta Police arrest notorious kidnap kingpin Abubakar Usman and kill four gang members in a fierce forest gun battle

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a major breakthrough against organised crime, operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested a notorious kidnap kingpin, Abubakar Usman, also known as Shehu, and neutralised four members of his gang during a gun battle in a forest along the Asaba/Agbor Expressway.

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The arrest was made during a sting operation on Thursday, 10 April 2025. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, disclosed the development in a statement released on Monday, highlighting it as a significant success in the ongoing nationwide crackdown on violent crimes.

Usman, upon arrest, confessed to leading a deadly kidnapping group responsible for a series of high-profile abductions and murders across Delta State.

Among his admissions were the kidnapping of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku, the abduction and murder of Mr Godwin Anuka after kidnapping his wife and daughter in Ogwashi-Uku, and the murder of Ms Esther Ojoh in Ibusa.

Following his confession, Usman led operatives to the gang’s hideout, where the team came under heavy fire from other gang members.

The police returned fire, killing four suspects during the exchange. Officers recovered three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition from the scene.

In a related operation on the same day in Kano State, three men were arrested at Dorayi Babba. The suspects – Abdul Sadiq, 43; Ahmad Muazu, 22; and Aliyu Sharif, 40 – were found in possession of 15 locally made revolver rifles, 102 live cartridges, and six spent cartridges.

The arrest followed a tip-off, and investigations are underway to locate the illegal arms factory linked to the suspects.

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the bravery and professionalism of the officers involved in both operations.

“The Nigeria Police Force is committed to ending violent crimes and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians. These successful operations reflect our resolve to dismantle criminal networks and protect the public,” said IGP Egbetokun.