Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have stormed criminal hideouts linked to the March 4, 2025, kidnapping of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri Road, Ukwa East LGA, which also claimed multiple lives.
The incident led to the deaths of ASP Tanko Naptip of the CTU Rivers Command, Anayo Ukwu, and Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station.
In a statement on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, revealed that police traced the suspected kidnappers to Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara LGA of Akwa Ibom State, based on credible intelligence.
She explained that the raid took place on Thursday around 8:30 p.m.
“Yesterday, 21/08/2025 at about 8:30 pm, operatives of the Command successfully raided the criminal hideout at Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara LGA, Akwa Ibom State, arrested six (6) suspected kidnappers and recovered two (2) AK-47 rifles, fifty-seven (57) live ammunition, one (1) locally made pistol, six (6) magazines, and one (1) big bag filled with materials suspected to be charms and spiritual items,” she stated.
Chinaka added that the operation was met with resistance from other gang members.
“This resulted in a gun battle with the police. The six (6) arrested suspects, while attempting to escape, sustained gunshot injuries and died on the way to the hospital for medical attention.
“Other members of the gang fled with bullet wounds.
“Meanwhile, two police officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical attention,” she said.
She noted that security operatives are continuing to comb the area in search of fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia, Danladi Isa, assured residents that the command remains committed to flushing out criminal gangs.
He stressed that “every unrepentant criminal will be made to face the wrath of the law.”
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