Police officers in Delta State have shot and killed four suspected kidnappers during a gun battle. The gang had earlier kidnapped and murdered a realtor named Esther Ojoh in March 2025.

Esther was abducted on March 24 while returning from a land inspection near the Nigerian Admiralty University in Ibusa. She had gone there with three others when gunmen attacked them. Sadly, her body was found two days later in the Ibusa community.

Recently, another victim, a medical doctor, was kidnapped in Issele-Uku on April 6 and released the next day after paying a ransom of 15 million naira. The Commissioner of Police, CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, ordered a special police team to find and arrest the kidnappers.

Following this, the CP-Special Assignment Team led by ASP Julius Robinson arrested a suspect named Abubakar Usman, also known as “Shehu.” He was believed to be the leader of the gang responsible for multiple kidnappings in the area.

Based on his confession, the police were led to the gang’s hideout in a forest between Okpanam and Issele-Asagba. But while searching the area, the suspect raised an alarm and tried to escape to meet his gang members. This led to a shootout, and four of the suspects, including Usman, were fatally wounded.

The Delta State Police Commissioner praised the officers for their bravery and encouraged others to follow their example. He also thanked the public for sharing useful information and asked for continued support, promising that the police will keep working hard to protect lives and property.