Police kill six kidnappers , recover arms, charms in Abia

Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have raided 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.

PUNCH Online learnt the kidnap incident led to the death of ASP Tanko Naptip (CTU Rivers State Command), Anayo Ukwu, and the Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station, Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed in a statement on Friday that leveraging credible intelligence, the command traced the suspected kidnappers to Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara LGA, Akwa Ibom State, in connection with the incident.

She said the operation 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,” she stated.

Chinaka added that as police operatives were exiting the camp, they were ambushed by other gang members attempting to rescue their partners.

“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.

Chinaka said further combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing kidnappers and rid the area of criminal activities.

The Abia Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that there will be no hiding place for criminals in the state.

He assured Abians that every unrepentant criminal will be made to face the wrath of the law.