Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped woman, Mrs. Blessing Chiedu, and arrested a suspected notorious bandit, Abubakar Usman, following a coordinated operation in Delta State.
Mrs. Chiedu, a native of Umunede Kingdom, was abducted on July 2, 2026, along the Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku. Her abductors reportedly demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from her family.
According to security advocate Harrison Gwamnishu, the incident was immediately reported to the Delta State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, led by CSP Osakpolor, prompting a swift rescue operation.
He said the operation, supported by the Hydra Tech Surveillance System, led to the successful rescue of the victim alive and unharmed along the Ubulu-Unor/Ashama Road.
Following the rescue, security operatives launched a manhunt for the fleeing kidnappers. At about 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, surveillance technology reportedly tracked the suspects to their hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest.
A gun battle ensued, during which police operatives overpowered the gang and arrested one of the most wanted suspects, identified as Abubakar Usman. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the forest with their firearm.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Usman and his gang are suspected to have carried out several kidnapping operations across Igbodo, Umunede, and neighbouring communities, allegedly extorting millions of naira in ransom from victims’ families.
Gwamnishu commended Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the Commissioner of Police, officers of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, and DSP Paul Xdot for their roles in the successful operation.
