Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have neutralised the gang leader of a deadly kidnapping syndicate and three other suspects.

The kidnappers were neutralised in their hideout, a forest along the Asaba/Agbor road between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba, near Asaba, the state capital.

The police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, confirmed the killings in a statement made available to newsmen in Asaba on Saturday.

Edafe said the kidnappers, led by Abubakar Usman, a.k.a Shehu, were responsible for the murder of a realtor, Esther Ojoh, and the kidnapping of a medical doctor after they collected a ransom of N15 million.

He said they were also responsible for the kidnapping of the wife and daughter of Mr Godwin Anuka after killing him at Ogwashi-uku area, including a series of kidnappings at Ibusa, Ubuluku and environs.

He said the kidnappings prompted the Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, to order his Special Assignment team to embark on an intelligence-led investigation to trace the kidnappers to their hideout.

In compliance with the directive, the team, led by ASP Julius Robinson, carried out a sting operation at about 2200 hours on April 10, 2025, and arrested Shehu

The gang members engaged the team in a fierce gun duel during which four of the suspects sustained serious gunshot injuries.

Three AK-47 rifles, 90 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition were recovered. The injured suspects were taken to the general hospital in Ogwashi-uku where they were all confirmed dead.

CP Abaniwonda commended the gallantry of operatives of CP-SAT, noting that their bravery is worth emulating and urged other officers to emulate them.