Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have raided criminal hideouts linked to the March 4, 2025, abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas, which occurred along Azumiri Road in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
The incident, which also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the CTU (Rivers State Command), Anayo Ukwu, and Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station, had sparked a high-priority manhunt for the perpetrators.
In a statement on Friday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, said the command acted on credible intelligence that led them to Ikot Ukpon Village in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
She revealed that around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 21, operatives raided the hideout, arresting six suspected kidnappers and recovering a cache of weapons and items.
“Operatives of the command successfully raided a criminal hideout at Ikot Ukpon Village. Six suspects were arrested, and the following items recovered: two AK-47 rifles, 57 rounds of live ammunition, one locally made pistol, six magazines, and a large bag filled with items suspected to be charms and spiritual materials,” Chinaka said.
However, as the officers were exiting the camp, they came under fire in an ambush by members of the gang attempting to rescue their arrested accomplices.
“A gunfight ensued. The six arrested suspects, while trying to flee, sustained gunshot injuries and died on the way to the hospital. Other gang members escaped with bullet wounds,” she added.
Two police officers were injured during the exchange and are currently receiving treatment.
Chinaka stated that operations are still ongoing in the area as police continue to search for fleeing suspects and dismantle remaining criminal infrastructure.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to root out criminal elements across the state.
“There will be no hiding place for criminals in Abia. Every unrepentant criminal will face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
