Delta Kidnap Kingpin Arrest: Police nab notorious leader, Abubakar Usman, and kill four gang members in a gun battle. Confessions link him to multiple high-profile kidnappings
According to Adejobi, Usman was arrested on Thursday, 10 April 2025, and subsequently confessed to leading a deadly kidnapping syndicate responsible for several high-profile abductions and murders in Delta State.
These crimes included 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 kidnapping and murder of Ms. Esther Ojoh in Ibusa.
“The Nigeria Police Force, in its quest to sustain the tempo of the fight against violent crimes such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and banditry, has again recorded significant successes across the country,” Adejobi stated.
“The police operatives attached to Delta State Command, on the 10th of April, 2025, in a sting operation on the activities of kidnappers within the state, arrested one Abubakar Usman ‘m’ AKA Shehu, who was identified as the leader of a deadly kidnapping gang.”
Following his arrest, Usman led police officers to the gang’s hideout in a forest along the Asaba/Agbor Expressway, where they encountered heavy resistance.
“The suspect further led operatives to the gang’s hideout in a forest along Asaba/Agbor Expressway, where the operatives encountered the rest of the gang and came under heavy fire. In the ensuing gun duel, the operatives successfully neutralised four members of the gang and recovered three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of Live Ammunition,” Adejobi added.
In a separate operation in Kano State, police arrested three suspects—Abdul Sadiq, 43; Ahmad Muazu, 22; and Aliyu Sharif, 40—at Dorayi Babba, recovering 15 locally made revolver rifles, 102 live cartridges, and six used cartridges. Investigations are ongoing to locate the illegal arms manufacturing facility and apprehend additional suspects.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, commended the officers involved for their bravery and commitment, reiterating the Nigeria Police Force’s dedication to combating violent crime and ensuring public safety.
