Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have recovered charms and dangerous weapons during a raid on criminal hideouts linked to the March 4, 2025, attack and kidnapping of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri Road, Ukwa East Local Government Area.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, in a statement on Friday, said the operation was carried out following credible intelligence that traced the suspects to Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
She said the raid took place on Thursday, at about 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,” Chinaka stated.
She explained that as the operatives were exiting the camp, they were ambushed by other gang members who attempted to rescue their partners.
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“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.
According to her, further combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing kidnappers and rid the area of criminal activities.
The operation, Afrocover learnt, is linked to the kidnap incident that led to the death of ASP Tanko Naptip of the CTU Rivers State Command, Anayo Ukwu, and the Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station, Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke.
The Abia Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the command’s resolve to deal ruthlessly with criminals, insisting there will be no hiding place for them.
He said, “We are committed to ensuring that every unrepentant criminal in Abia faces the wrath of the law.”
