Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have apprehended a notorious kidnap kingpin, Abubakar Usman, better known as Shehu, and killed four members of his gang.
According to authorities, the guy was apprehended during a shootout during a sting operation on Thursday.
ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, confirmed this in a statement issued on Monday.
Adejobi stated that Usman was apprehended in Delta State and admitted to being the leader of a murderous kidnapping ring.
“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.
“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.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to multiple crimes, including the kidnapping of a medical doctor at Issele-uku, Delta State; the kidnapping of the wife and daughter of Mr Godwin Anuka at Ogwashi-Uku and his subsequent murder; and also the kidnapping and murder of Ms Esther Ojoh at Ibusa,” he stated.
He claimed that Usman later took police officials to the gang’s hideout in a forest along the Asaba/Agbor Motorway.
The officers came under heavy fire from other gang members.
Adejobi added, “The suspect further led operatives to the gang’s hideout in a forest along Asaba/Agbor Motorway, 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.”
On the same day, police apprehended three suspects, Abdul Sadiq, 43; Ahmad Muazu, 22; and Aliyu Sharif, 40, in Dorayi Babba.
Following a tip, detectives discovered 15 locally built revolver guns, 102 live rounds, and six used cartridges.
The authorities are now seeking to find the unlawful facility generating the weapons and to arrest more suspects.
The police spokesman said, “Further investigation led to the recovery of 15 locally fabricated revolver rifles, 102 live cartridges, and 6 expended cartridges from the suspects. Investigations are being intensified to locate the factory where these illegal arms are being produced and arrest other culprits.”
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, applauded the officers for their courage and commitment.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force is committed to ending violent crimes and ensuring the safety of all Nigerians.”
