Police Nab Notorious Kidnap Kingpin in Delta, Neutralize Four Gang Members

The Delta State Police Command has captured a notorious kidnap kingpin, Abubakar Usman, also known as Shehu, in a sting operation that left four members of his gang dead.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, announced the breakthrough in a statement on Monday, revealing that the operation was carried out on Thursday, April 10, based on credible intelligence about a deadly kidnapping syndicate operating in the state.

“On April 10, 2025, operatives attached to the Delta Command apprehended Abubakar Usman, alias Shehu, believed to be the leader of a notorious kidnap gang,” Adejobi stated.

Usman reportedly confessed to orchestrating several high-profile kidnappings, including the abduction of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku, the murder of Mr. Godwin Anuka’s wife and daughter in Ogwashi-Uku, and the killing of Ms. Esther Ojoh in Ibusa.

During the ongoing investigation, Usman led police to the gang’s hideout in a forest near the Asaba/Agbor Expressway. There, officers came under heavy gunfire from gang members, prompting a fierce shootout that resulted in the death of four suspects.

“Four gang members were neutralized during the exchange, and officers recovered three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition,” Adejobi disclosed.

In a separate operation in Kano State, police arrested three suspects — Abdul Sadiq (43), Ahmad Muazu (22), and Aliyu Sharif (40) — in the Dorayi Babba area. Acting on a tip-off, police recovered 15 locally made revolvers, 102 live cartridges, and six used shells. Investigations are underway to uncover the source of the weapons and arrest other culprits.

Commending the officers involved, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, reiterated the Force’s commitment to fighting crime.

“Our resolve to protect the lives and property of Nigerians is stronger than ever. These recent successes show our determination to rid our communities of criminal elements,” the IGP affirmed.