A suspected kidnap kingpin, identified as Abubakar Usman, has been arrested following a security operation in Delta State that also led to the rescue of a kidnapped woman.
According to a statement shared by Harrison Gwamnishu on his official X handle, Mrs. Blessing Chiedu, a native of Umunede Kingdom, was abducted on July 2, 2026, along Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku. The kidnappers reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from her family.
Gwamnishu said the incident was immediately reported to the Delta State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, led by CSP Osakpolor. Working with the SafeCity Security Service's Hydra Tech Surveillance System, security operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation.
Mrs. Chiedu was rescued alive and unharmed along the Ubulu-Unor/Ashama Road.
Following the rescue, security personnel intensified efforts to track down the kidnappers. At about 6:45 a.m. on the following day, the surveillance system reportedly traced the suspects to their hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest.
A gun battle followed, during which Abubakar Usman was arrested. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the forest with their firearm.
According to Gwamnishu, preliminary investigations indicate that Usman and his gang have been linked to several kidnapping incidents across Igbodo, Umunede and neighbouring communities, where victims' families allegedly paid millions of naira in ransom.
Gwamnishu commended the Delta State Government, the Delta State Police Command, the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and other security and community stakeholders for their roles in the operation. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Forest Security Service, the Ubulu-Uku Anti-Cult Group, local government officials, and community leaders.
He reaffirmed his commitment to working with security agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen efforts against kidnapping and other criminal activities in Delta State.
