Four Suspected Kidnappers Killed in Delta State as Police Rescue Asaba Communities from Notorious Syndicate
Residents of Asaba, Ogwashi-Uku, and Ubuluku in Delta State are breathing a sigh of relief following the successful operation by the CP-Special Assignment Team, which led to the death of four suspected kidnappers in a gun battle and the recovery of three AK-47 rifles.
The operation followed the kidnapping of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku on April 6, 2025. The victim was released the following day after the payment of a N15 million ransom. Acting on the directive of the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team launched an intelligence-led investigation to track down the perpetrators.
On April 10, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., the team led by ASP Julius Robinson arrested one Abubakar Usman, alias "Shehu," the suspected leader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating across Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, and Ubuluku. Usman reportedly confessed to several crimes, including the abduction of the medical doctor and the murder of realtor Esther Ojoh, whose corpse was found on March 25, 2025. He also admitted to the killing of Mr. Godwin Anuka and the abduction of Anuka's wife and daughter in Ogwashi-Uku.
Acting on Usman’s confession, police operatives proceeded to the gang’s hideout in a forest along the Asaba–Agbor expressway between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba on April 11 at about 11:00 a.m. While combing the area, the suspect attempted to flee and alerted his gang members, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire. Four suspects, including Usman, sustained fatal gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead at the General Hospital in Ogwashi-Uku.
Three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live 7.62mm ammunition were recovered from the scene.
Commending the operatives for their bravery, CP Abaniwonda described their action as exemplary and urged other officers to emulate their commitment. He also appreciated the people of Delta State for providing timely and credible intelligence, assuring them of the Command’s dedication to tackling crime and ensuring public safety.
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