A suspected bandit kingpin arrested during a daring security operation deep inside a forest in Delta State has made startling revelations about the activities of his criminal gang, claiming that they worked under the direction of an unidentified "Alhaji" based in Abuja and were engaged in cattle rearing for him while allegedly participating in kidnapping operations.
The suspect, identified as Abubakar Usman, was apprehended after a fierce gun battle between security operatives and suspected kidnappers during a coordinated raid on a notorious hideout located within the Ogwashi-Uku/Adonta Forest in Delta State.
The arrest has sparked fresh conversations about the possible existence of wider criminal networks operating across different parts of Nigeria and has renewed calls for security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at dismantling the structures supporting kidnapping and banditry across the country.
DDM News gathered that the operation was carried out by operatives of the Delta State Police Command's Anti-Kidnapping Squad in collaboration with personnel of the SafeCity Security Service following intelligence reports that led security forces to the forest hideout believed to be occupied by members of a kidnapping syndicate.
According to security sources, the suspects reportedly opened fire upon sighting the advancing operatives, resulting in a gun duel before the security team eventually overpowered the criminals.
While some members of the gang reportedly escaped into the dense forest during the exchange, Abubakar Usman was successfully arrested and taken into custody for interrogation.
The security operation was reportedly launched in response to the abduction of Mrs. Blessing Chiedu, a native of the Umunede Kingdom, who was kidnapped on July 2, 2026, while travelling along the Ani-Ifekide Farm Road in Ubulu-Uku, Delta State.
The kidnapping had generated widespread concern within the affected communities, with residents expressing fears over the growing activities of armed criminal gangs operating around forests and rural roads in the state.
Human rights activist Harrison Gwamnishu, who has consistently advocated for improved security and justice for victims of violent crimes, confirmed the incident through a statement shared on his verified X account.
According to Gwamnishu, the kidnappers had demanded a staggering ransom of ₦100 million from the family of the abducted woman before security operatives intensified efforts to locate the gang.
His disclosure drew significant public attention and increased pressure on law enforcement agencies to secure the victim's release while tracking down those responsible for the crime.
Following Usman's arrest, a video that has since gone viral on social media showed Harrison Gwamnishu interviewing the suspect, during which the alleged bandit made several claims regarding the operations of his gang.
Speaking during the recorded interview, Usman disclosed that he is originally from Niger State and travelled to Delta State where he joined two other individuals involved in kidnapping activities.
According to him, the gang consisted of three members who operated together while armed with a pump-action shotgun.
He claimed that their criminal operations had yielded millions of naira in ransom payments from victims.
"We are three in number. I'm from Niger State. We were using a pump-action gun," the suspect stated during the interview.
Perhaps the most striking aspect of his confession was his allegation that the group worked for an unidentified man whom he simply described as an "Alhaji" residing somewhere in Abuja.
According to Usman, although he allegedly worked for the man, he did not know the exact location of his residence within the Federal Capital Territory.
"The Alhaji we are working for is in Abuja, but I don't know exactly where he lives," he said.
The suspect further alleged that, in addition to engaging in criminal activities, members of the gang were involved in rearing cattle belonging to the same individual.
He also claimed that the gang had received approximately ₦5 million as ransom from one of their kidnapping victims, though he did not provide details regarding the identity of the victim or the specific incident.
The allegations have raised fresh questions regarding the possible financing and coordination of criminal groups operating across multiple states.
However, the claims made by the suspect remain unverified and have not been independently confirmed by law enforcement authorities. Investigators are expected to thoroughly examine the statements as part of ongoing efforts to determine whether other individuals may have been involved in the alleged criminal network.
DDM News understands that security agencies are continuing investigations into the case, including efforts to identify and apprehend other members of the gang who reportedly escaped during the forest operation.
Authorities are also expected to investigate the suspect's claims concerning the alleged Abuja-based "Alhaji" to establish whether such an individual exists and whether there is any evidence linking him to the alleged criminal activities.
The arrest comes at a time when Nigeria continues to battle rising cases of kidnapping, armed banditry and violent crimes affecting several parts of the country. Criminal groups have increasingly targeted commuters, farmers and rural communities, often demanding huge sums of money before releasing abducted victims.
Security experts have repeatedly warned that many of these gangs operate through sophisticated networks stretching across state boundaries, making intelligence sharing and inter-agency collaboration essential for effective law enforcement.
The successful operation by the Delta State Police Command and SafeCity Security Service has therefore been viewed as another important step in ongoing efforts to weaken kidnapping syndicates operating within the state.
Residents of Delta State have continued to call for sustained security patrols around forests, farming communities and major access roads to prevent criminal gangs from regrouping after the latest raid.
Meanwhile, the outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether additional arrests will follow and whether the suspect's claims regarding external sponsors and associates can be substantiated through credible evidence.
For now, Abubakar Usman remains in police custody as investigators continue questioning him over his alleged role in the kidnapping syndicate, while efforts persist to locate the remaining fleeing suspects and ensure that those responsible for violent crimes are brought before the law. Authorities have also reiterated their commitment to pursuing every lead arising from the suspect's statements as part of broader operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks threatening public safety across Nigeria.