Residents of Asaba, Ogwashi-Uku, and Ubuluku in Delta State can finally breathe a sigh of relief following a major breakthrough by the Commissioner of Police Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), which led to the neutralization of a notorious kidnapping gang terrorizing the region.
On the night of April 10, 2025, operatives of CP-SAT, led by ASP Julius Robinson, launched a well-coordinated sting operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspected gang leader, Abubakar Usman, alias Shehu. The suspect, notorious across Delta State for high-profile abductions, was tracked down after weeks of painstaking intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The operation was launched following the April 6th, 2025 abduction of a medical doctor in Issele-Uku, who was later released on April 7 after a ransom of fifteen million naira (#15,000,000) was paid. Acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, the CP-SAT operatives swiftly swung into action to ensure justice was served.
Upon his arrest, Usman confessed to leading the gang responsible not only for the doctor’s abduction but also for the murder of a realtor, Esther Ojoh, who was kidnapped in Ibusa and later found dead on March 25, 2025. His gang was also behind the murder of Mr. Godwin Anuka and the subsequent kidnapping of his wife and daughter in the Ogwashi-Uku area.
Based on his confession, CP-SAT operatives were led to a forest hideout along the Asaba/Agbor expressway, between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba. However, during the search operation at about 11:00am on April 11, Usman raised an alarm and attempted to escape, alerting his waiting accomplices who immediately opened fire on the police team.
A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the death of four suspected kidnappers, including Usman. The police recovered three AK-47 rifles and ninety (90) rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition from the hideout. The injured suspects were rushed to the General Hospital, Ogwashi-Uku, where they were confirmed dead.
In a press statement, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda lauded the gallantry and bravery of ASP Robinson and his team, stating, “The bravery exhibited by the CP-Special Assignment Team is worth emulating. The Delta State Police Command remains committed to flushing out all criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our people.”
He also appreciated the people of Delta State for their support and the provision of credible, timely information that aided the operation. The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to ensure the safety of lives and property across the state.
Track Record of Success
This latest operation adds to the growing list of major breakthroughs credited to the CP-Special Assignment Team. Under the command of ASP Julius Robinson, the elite unit has in recent months:
- Foiled a planned attack on a commercial bank in Ogwashi-Uku, recovering explosive devices and arresting five suspects.
- Successfully rescued a kidnapped oil executive in February 2025, without paying ransom.
- Dismantled a human trafficking syndicate operating between Delta and Edo states, leading to the arrest of two major traffickers and the rescue of nine underaged victims.
The CP-Special Assignment Team has increasingly become the frontline response force for high-risk operations in Delta State, embodying a new era of proactive, intelligence-driven policing.
As Delta State continues to tackle the menace of kidnapping and violent crime, Fresh Facts Magazine commends the relentless efforts of the CP-SAT and urges continued collaboration between the police and the public in the ongoing fight for peace and justice.
