The arrest of the leader of a deadly kidnapping syndicate has led to the neutralization of four members of the gang in Delta state.
The Police Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying that the arrest of the suspect, Abubakar Usman, aka Shehu, followed a sting operation on the activities of kidnappers within the state.
Upon interrogation, Shehu, who was arrested on Thursday, 10 April 2025,
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, as well as the kidnap and murder of Ms Esther Ojoh at Ibusa.
The suspect further led operatives to the gang’s hideout in a forest along Asaba/Agbor expressway, where they encountered the rest of the gang and came under heavy fire. In the ensuing gun duel, the operatives successfully neutralized 4 members of the gang and recovered 3 AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of live ammunition.
In another development in Kano State, on the 10th of April 2025, police operatives attached to the state Command, acting on credible intelligence, arrested 3 persons: Abdul Sadiq, Ahmad Muazu and Aliyu Sharif at Dorayi babba, Kano state.
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.
While commending the bravery, professionalism and resolve of the operatives for the feats recorded, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, reassured members of the public that the Force has made it a mandate to curb violent crimes that threaten national peace and security.
