Asaba – Operatives of Delta State’s SafeCity Security Service, working with the state police command, have arrested a notorious bandit identified as Abubakar Usman.
The arrest came after the kidnapping of Mrs Blessing Chiedu, a native of Umunede Kingdom, who was abducted on July 2, 2026, along the Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku. Her abductors had demanded a ransom of N100 million from her family.
Harrison Gwamnishu, spokesperson for SafeCity Security Service, announced the development in a post on X on Wednesday. He said the matter was promptly escalated upon receipt of the report, prompting swift action by the Delta State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, led by CSP Osakpolor.
Using advanced Hydra Tech Surveillance System, a coordinated rescue operation was launched. Mrs Chiedu was successfully rescued alive and unharmed along the Ubulu-Unor/Ashama Road.
Security operatives immediately began a manhunt for the fleeing suspects. In the early hours of Wednesday, surveillance led them to the gang’s hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest. A gun battle broke out, during which the joint team overpowered the criminals. Abubakar Usman was captured, while other gang members escaped into the bush with their weapons.
Gwamnishu stated that investigations linked Usman and his gang to multiple kidnapping incidents across Igbodo, Umunede, and surrounding communities, where they allegedly extorted millions of naira in ransom from victims’ families.
The successful operation has been welcomed by residents concerned about the rising cases of abduction in parts of the state. Security agencies continue to intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
