The Delta State Police Command achieved a significant victory against a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in the Ogwashi-Uku and Ubulu-Uku axis, culminating in the elimination of four key members, including the alleged ringleader. This operation, initiated following the kidnapping and subsequent release of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku after a hefty ransom payment, underscores the command’s unwavering commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.
The successful operation stemmed from a directive issued by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, to the CP-Special Assessment Team. He mandated an intelligence-driven investigation to apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the doctor’s kidnapping. This directive propelled the team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, into action, culminating in a meticulous operation that led to the identification and arrest of the suspected kingpin, Abubakar Usman, also known as “Shehu.”
Usman’s capture marked a critical turning point in the investigation. Identified as the leader of the notorious kidnapping syndicate, he was linked to a string of abductions across Ogwashi-Uku, Ibusa, Ubulu-Uku, and their surrounding areas. His confession implicated the group in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Esther Ojoh, a real estate agent, further solidifying their reputation for violence. They were also responsible for the tragic abduction of the wife and daughter of Mr. Godwin Anuka, after heartlessly taking his life in Ogwashi-Uku. The breadth of their criminal activities paints a grim picture of the terror they inflicted upon the communities they targeted.
Following Usman’s arrest, he led the police operatives to the syndicate’s hideout, a secluded forest area located along the Asaba/Agbor express road between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba. Upon reaching the hideout, Usman attempted to alert his accomplices, triggering a volatile confrontation. In the ensuing gun battle, Usman and three other members of the gang sustained fatal gunshot wounds. This fierce exchange of gunfire demonstrates the inherent risks law enforcement officers face while confronting dangerous criminals.
The injured suspects were immediately transported to the General Hospital in Ogwashi-Uku, where they were pronounced dead. This decisive action effectively neutralized a significant threat to the region, dismantling a criminal network responsible for numerous kidnappings and murders. The recovery of three AK-47 rifles and a substantial cache of 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the scene further highlights the group’s capacity for violence and underscores the success of the police operation.
The Delta State Police Command’s swift and effective response to the doctor’s kidnapping, culminating in the elimination of four dangerous criminals and the recovery of significant weaponry, sends a strong message of deterrence to other criminal elements operating within the state. This operation, driven by intelligence gathering and decisive action, signifies the command’s dedication to upholding law and order and protecting the lives and property of its citizens. The dismantling of this kidnapping syndicate represents a substantial victory in the ongoing fight against crime in Delta State, offering a measure of respite to communities previously terrorized by these individuals. While the loss of life is always regrettable, the neutralization of such a dangerous group undoubtedly contributes to a safer and more secure environment for the residents of Delta State. The success of this operation serves as a testament to the bravery and dedication of the Delta State Police Command and reinforces their commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region.
