Asaba, Delta State — Security operatives have arrested a notorious suspected kidnap kingpin, Abubakar Usman, following a fierce gun battle in a forest in Delta State during an operation that also led to the rescue of an abducted woman.
According to security advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, the victim, Mrs. Blessing Chiedu, an indigene of Umunede Kingdom, was abducted on July 2, 2026, along the Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦100 million for her release.
The incident was subsequently reported to the Delta State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, led by CSP Osakpolor, which immediately launched an intelligence-driven rescue operation.
Using the Hydra Tech Surveillance System, security operatives successfully located and rescued the victim alive and unharmed along the Ubulu-Unor/Ashama Road.
Following the rescue, the operatives intensified efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The overnight manhunt reportedly continued until about 6:45 a.m., when surveillance technology traced the gang to a hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest.
A gun battle ensued as security personnel stormed the hideout. The operatives overpowered the suspects and arrested Abubakar Usman, who is described as one of the area’s most wanted suspected kidnappers.
Other members of the gang reportedly escaped deeper into the forest with their weapons, while security agencies have intensified efforts to track and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the operation as investigations continue.
