The alleged bandit leader Abubakar Usman, recently arrested in Delta State, has claimed that he and his gang members were involved in rearing cattle for an Alhaji based in Abuja.
Usman was apprehended on Wednesday during a joint operation by the Delta State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad and the SafeCity Security Service at a hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest. The arrest followed a shootout with suspected kidnappers.
The operation was triggered by the abduction of Mrs Blessing Chiedu, a native of Umunede Kingdom, who was kidnapped on July 2, 2026, along the Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku. Her abductors had demanded a ransom of N100 million.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who confirmed details of the arrest in a statement on X, shared a video showing him interviewing the suspect. In the clip, Usman disclosed that he originated from Niger State and travelled to Delta State, where he linked up with two other gang members.
The suspect alleged that the group had collected about N5 million as ransom from one of their victims. He also mentioned that the gang used a pump-action gun during operations. “We are three in number. I’m from Niger State. We were using a pump-action gun,” Usman said.
When asked about their sponsor, the arrested bandit claimed they worked for an Alhaji in Abuja. “The Alhaji we are working for is in Abuja, but I don’t know exactly where he lives,” he added.
Investigations into the gang’s activities and possible wider network are ongoing, with security agencies working to track down the remaining suspects who fled during the operation.
The claims by Usman have raised fresh concerns about the possible involvement of influential figures in banditry and kidnapping syndicates operating across states.
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