Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have neutralised six suspected kidnappers during a raid on a criminal hideout in Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The operation, which took place on Thursday night around 8:30 p.m., was linked to the March 4, 2025, abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri Road in Ukwa East, Abia State — an incident that claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the CTU Rivers State Command, Anayo Ukwu, and the Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station, Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke.
Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer in Abia, ASP Maureen Chinaka, said officers acted on credible intelligence that traced the suspects to their camp.
“During the raid, our men arrested six suspected kidnappers and recovered two AK-47 rifles, 57 rounds of live ammunition, six magazines, one locally made pistol, and a large bag containing charms and spiritual items,” Chinaka said.
She explained that the operation turned violent as the police were leaving the camp.
“As our operatives were exiting, they were ambushed by other gang members trying to free their colleagues. This led to a gun battle. The six suspects who had been arrested sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and were confirmed dead on the way to the hospital,” she added.
Chinaka disclosed that two officers also sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire but are responding to treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, commended the operatives for the breakthrough and assured residents that the command would continue to clamp down on criminals.
“There will be no hiding place for kidnappers and armed gangs in this state. Any unrepentant criminal must be ready to face the full weight of the law,” Isa vowed.
Police authorities said further combing of the surrounding areas is ongoing to track down fleeing members of the gang, some of whom escaped with gunshot injuries.