Wanted Kidnap Suspect Abubakar Usman Arrested in Delta Forest

A suspected kidnap kingpin, Abubakar Usman, has been arrested following a security operation in Delta State that also led to the rescue of a kidnapped woman, Blessing Chiedu, who was abducted along the Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

According to security advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, Chiedu, an indigene of Umunede Kingdom, was kidnapped on July 2, 2026, with her abductors reportedly demanding a ₦100 million ransom from her family.

The incident was promptly reported to the Delta State Police Command, prompting the Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, led by CSP Osakpolor, to launch a coordinated rescue operation.

The operation, supported by the Hydra Tech Surveillance System, led security operatives to the Ubulu-Unor/Ashama Road, where the victim was rescued alive and unharmed.

Following the rescue, security personnel immediately intensified efforts to track down the fleeing suspects. The manhunt reportedly continued through the night before surveillance technology traced the gang to a hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest at about 6:45 a.m.

A gun battle reportedly ensued as operatives moved in on the hideout. While other members of the gang escaped into the forest with a firearm, Abubakar Usman was arrested during the operation.

Preliminary investigations, according to the security update, indicate that the suspect and his gang are believed to be linked to several kidnapping incidents across Igbodo, Umunede, and neighbouring communities, where victims’ families were allegedly forced to pay millions of naira in ransom.

The operation involved officers of the Delta State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad, working alongside members of the Nigeria Forest Security Service and local community stakeholders.

The arrest is expected to aid ongoing investigations as security agencies continue efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the suspected kidnapping syndicate and strengthen security across the affected communities.