Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have successfully dismantled a notorious kidnapping gang, neutralising its leader, Abubakar Usman (alias Shehu), along with three accomplices.
The operation took place in a forest hideout along the Asaba–Agbor road, between Okpanam and Issele‑Asagba, on the outskirts of Asaba.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Bright Edafe confirmed the outcome in a statement released on Saturday.
“The gang, led by Abubakar Usman, a.k.a. Shehu, was responsible for the murder of realtor Esther Ojoh and the abduction of a medical doctor, for whom they collected a ransom of ₦15 million,” he said.
Edafe added that the same syndicate had kidnapped the wife and daughter of Mr. Godwin Anuka after killing him in the Ogwashi‑uku area, and had carried out multiple abductions in Ibusa, Ubuluku, and neighbouring communities.
Following these brazen crimes, Commissioner of Police Olufemi Abaniwonda ordered his Special Assignment Team (CP‑SAT) to mount an intelligence‑led manhunt.
“We traced their movements and pinpointed their forest hideout,” Edafe explained.
Under the command of ASP Julius Robinson, CP‑SAT executed a sting operation at approximately 2200 hours on April 10, 2025, resulting in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
During the clash, four suspects—including Usman—were critically wounded. Three AK‑47 rifles and 90 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition were recovered at the scene.
The injured men were rushed to the General Hospital in Ogwashi‑uku, where they later succumbed to their wounds.
CP Abaniwonda praised the bravery of his officers: “The gallantry displayed by our Special Assignment Team is worth emulating. Their courage under fire has delivered justice to victims and sent a clear message to criminal elements.”
He urged all personnel to follow the example set by the team in carrying out their duties with professionalism and resolve.
