A notorious suspected kidnap kingpin, Abubakar Usman, has been arrested following a fierce gun battle with security operatives in a forest in Delta State, bringing to an end an intensive manhunt launched after the abduction of a woman whose captors allegedly demanded a ₦100 million ransom.
The operation followed the kidnapping of Mrs. Blessing Chiedu, an indigene of Umunede Kingdom, who was abducted on July 2, 2026, along the Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku.
According to security advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, intelligence on the abduction was immediately passed to the Delta State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, led by CSP Osakpolor, prompting a coordinated rescue operation.
Gwamnishu disclosed that operatives deployed the Hydra Tech Surveillance System, which enabled them to locate and rescue the victim alive and unharmed along the Ubulu-Unor/Ashama Road before she could be moved by her abductors.
Following the successful rescue, security operatives intensified the pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
The overnight manhunt reportedly culminated at about 6:45 a.m., when surveillance technology traced the gang to a hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest, where the operatives engaged the criminals in a gun battle.
During the exchange of fire, Abubakar Usman, described by security sources as one of the area’s most wanted kidnap suspects, was captured, while other members of the gang reportedly escaped deeper into the forest with their weapons.
Investigators believe the suspect and his gang have been linked to several kidnapping operations across Igbodo, Umunede and neighbouring communities, where they allegedly extorted millions of naira from victims’ families as ransom.
Commending those involved in the operation, Gwamnishu praised Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner of Police, officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad and DSP Paul Xdot for what he described as their swift and coordinated response.
He said their efforts were instrumental in rescuing the victim unhurt and apprehending one of the region’s most wanted suspected kidnap kingpins.
