Six suspected kidnappers in Abia State after a gun duel with police have sustained gunshot wounds and were confirmed dead on the way to the hospital.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement stated that the operatives, acting on credible intelligence, traced the hideout of the suspected kidnappers.
They were traced to Ikot Ukpon Village in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, while six suspects were arrested during the operation.
The statement read, “On Thursday night, August 21, 2025, at about 8:30 p.m., the hideout was stormed in a coordinated raid.
“Six suspects were arrested during the operation. Items recovered include two AK-47 rifles, 57 rounds of live ammunition, one locally made pistol, six magazines and a large bag containing charms and other items believed to be for spiritual protection.
“However, as the operatives were exiting the camp, they were ambushed by other fleeing members of the gang who attempted to rescue their arrested colleagues.
“A gun duel ensued. The six suspects arrested earlier sustained gunshot wounds while trying to escape and were confirmed dead on the way to the hospital. Two police officers also sustained injuries in the crossfire and are currently receiving treatment”.
The State’s Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, described the raid as a decisive step in dismantling the network of kidnappers terrorising the Abia-Akwa Ibom axis.
Isa assured that the manhunt for other fleeing suspects would continue, stressing that there would be “no hiding place for criminals in Abia State.”
The police command called on residents to be vigilant and report anyone with unexplained bullet injuries or suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency hotlines.
They were reportedly involved in the kidnapping and killing of the Managing Director of Dozzman Oil & Gas, Mazi Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, along Azumiri Road in Ukwa East Local Government Area of the state on March 4, 2025.
According to Punch, the incident claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Rivers State Command, and Mr. Anayo Ukwu, Director of Sobaz Oil & Gas, sent shockwaves across the state earlier in the year.
