The Delta State Police Command has neutralised four suspected kidnappers terrorising the Ogwashi-Uku and Ubulu-Uku axis in the southern region of the state.
SP Bright Edafe, the command spokesman, confirmed this in a statement issued Saturday in Asaba, Delta State’s capital.
Edafe said, “Following the kidnap of a doctor at Issele-uku on April 6, 2025 and his release on April 7, 2025, after collecting a ransom of N15 million from the medical doctor and the driver.
Advertisement
READ MORE: Five Injured In Explosion At CCTV Shop In Lagos
“The commissioner of Police, Delta State, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, directed operatives of the CP-Special Assessment team to embark on an intelligence-led investigation and ensure that the kidnappers are arrested and brought to justice.
“In complaince with the said directive, the commander CP Special Assignment team, ASP Julius Robinson led his team in a sting operation on Friday trailed and arrested one Abubakar Usman Popularly known as “Shehu” the suspect is the gang leader of a deadly kidnapping syndicate and responsible for series of kidnap at Ogwashi-uku, Ibusa, Ubuluku and environs.
“The group is also responsible for the kidnapping and murder of estate realtor, late Esther Ojoh.
“They were also responsible for the kidnapping of the wife and daughter of Mr Godwin Anuka after killing him at Ogwashi-uku area as well, and also confessed to being responsible for the kidnapping of a realtor, Esther Ojoh, at Ibusa, whose corpse was later found on the 25th March 2025”
Edafe stated that the suspect took operatives to their hideout on Friday, located in a forest along the Asaba/Agbor expressway between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba.
He explained that the suspect raised an alarm and fled to join his waiting gang members. The gang then engaged the team in a fierce gun battle, during which four of the suspects, including Usman Abubakar, sustained severe gunshot wounds.
Edafe revealed that the injured suspects were transported to the general hospital in Ogwashi-Uku, where they were later declared dead.
He mentioned that items recovered from the suspects included three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.