By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Asaba
Residents of Asaba, Ogwashi-Uku, and Ubuluku can finally sleep with both eyes closed after police operatives from the Delta State Command gunned down four suspected kidnappers in a forest near the Asaba/Agbor expressway.
The operation, led by ASP Julius Robinson of the CP Special Assignment Team, followed the abduction and subsequent release of a medical doctor kidnapped in Issele-Uku on April 6, 2025. The victim was reportedly released after a ransom of N15 million was paid.
Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, had ordered an intelligence-driven investigation to bring the syndicate behind the crime to justice. Acting swiftly, the special team arrested the gang leader, one Abubakar Usman, also known as “Shehu,” on April 10.
Investigations revealed that the suspect and his gang had been behind several high-profile kidnappings in Delta North, including the abduction and murder of realtor Esther Ojoh in Ibusa, and the killing of Mr. Godwin Anuka at Ogwashi-Uku before abducting his wife and daughter.
The breakthrough came on April 11 when Usman led operatives to the gang’s hideout in a forest between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba. However, while combing the area, the suspect raised an alarm and attempted to escape, alerting his armed accomplices who engaged the police in a fierce gun battle.
At the end of the shootout, four suspects, including Usman, were fatally wounded. Three AK-47 rifles and 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered from the scene. The injured suspects were rushed to the General Hospital in Ogwashi-Uku but were confirmed dead on arrival.
CP Abaniwonda praised the operatives for their bravery and professionalism, saying, “This gallant operation is a clear message to criminals that Delta is no longer safe for them. We appreciate the people of Delta State for the credible and timely information they continue to provide.”
He urged other officers to emulate the courage and dedication displayed by the team and called on residents to maintain their cooperation with the police, assuring them of continued safety and security in the state.