Police Raid Hideout of Abia Kidnapping Suspects, Six Killed in Gun Battle
Officers recovered rifles, ammunition, and charms as suspects linked to the March 4 abduction in Ukwa East fell in a shootout.
Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have stormed a suspected kidnappers’ camp in Akwa Ibom State, killing six men linked to the March 4 abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas.
The incident, which occurred along Azumiri Road in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia, had earlier claimed the lives of a police officer, ASP Tanko Naptip of the CTU Rivers Command, businessman Anayo Ukwu, and Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station.
Confirming the development in a statement on Friday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, said operatives traced the hideout to Ikot Ukpon Village in Obot Akara, Akwa Ibom State, acting on credible intelligence.
The raid took place Thursday night at about 8:30 p.m. According to Chinaka, officers arrested six suspects and recovered two AK-47 rifles, 57 rounds of live ammunition, a locally made pistol, six magazines, and a large bag containing charms and other spiritual materials.
However, as police prepared to leave the scene, they were ambushed by other gang members in an attempt to free the arrested suspects. This triggered a gunfight, during which the six detainees sustained gunshot wounds and later died while being taken for medical treatment.
Two police officers were also injured in the exchange and are currently receiving treatment. Other gang members escaped with bullet wounds, prompting a wider manhunt.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia, Danladi Isa, assured residents that the command will sustain its crackdown on criminal gangs. He vowed that all unrepentant offenders would be brought to justice, stressing that there would be no safe haven for criminals in the state.
