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