Wanted Kidnapping Suspect Captured as Police Rescue Delta Woman Held for ₦100 Million Ransom
A coordinated security operation in Delta State has led to the rescue of a kidnapped woman and the arrest of a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin following an overnight manhunt in a forest hideout.
The victim, Mrs. Blessing Chiedu, a native of Umunede Kingdom, was abducted on July 2, 2026, along the Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku. According to security sources, her abductors demanded a ransom of ₦100 million from her family.
The rescue operation was launched after the case was escalated to the Delta State Police Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Squad in Asaba, led by CSP Osakpolor. Authorities said intelligence gathered through the Hydra Tech Surveillance System helped security operatives track the kidnappers’ movements.
Mrs. Chiedu was eventually rescued alive and unharmed along the Ubulu-Unor/Ashama Road, bringing relief to her family and the affected community.
Following the successful rescue, security operatives immediately pursued the fleeing suspects. The operation continued overnight until about 6:45 a.m. on Wednesday, when surveillance technology reportedly identified the gang’s hideout in the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest.
A gun battle followed as security personnel stormed the camp. During the exchange, one of the suspects identified as Abubakar Usman, described by security officials as a wanted kidnap suspect, was arrested. Other members of the gang reportedly escaped into the forest with their firearm.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect and his gang have allegedly been linked to several kidnapping incidents across Igbodo, Umunede, and neighbouring communities, where victims’ families were forced to pay millions of naira in ransom.
Reacting to the operation, security advocate Harrison Gwamnishu commended the Delta State Police Command, particularly the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, for its swift response and professionalism. He also acknowledged the support of the Delta State Government, local security volunteers, the Nigeria Forest Security Service, community leaders, and other stakeholders who contributed to the success of the operation.
He reaffirmed the commitment of security agencies and community partners to sustaining efforts aimed at protecting lives, dismantling criminal networks, and ensuring that kidnappers have no safe haven in the state.
Authorities have not yet issued an official statement indicating whether additional arrests have been made, while efforts to apprehend the fleeing suspects remain ongoing.
Credit: Harrison Gwamnishu / SafeCity Security Service.
