Bloody Shootout: Abia Police Gun Down Six Kidnap Kingpins, Recover Rifles and Charms

A dramatic late-night gun battle ended with the death of six suspected kidnappers after operatives of the Abia State Police Command stormed a notorious hideout and recovered weapons and charms believed to be used for protection. The raid, carried out around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, was the culmination of months of intelligence-gathering following the March 4 abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri Road in Ukwa East Local Government Area, an incident that also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the CTU Rivers Command, businessman Anayo Ukwu, and the Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station, Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke.

Police spokesperson Maureen Chinaka confirmed on Friday that operatives traced the suspects to Ikot Ukpon Village in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. During the operation, officers recovered two AK-47 rifles, fifty-seven rounds of live ammunition, a locally made pistol, six magazines, and a large bag filled with charms and spiritual items.

As the team was exiting the camp, the officers were ambushed by other members of the gang, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire. The six suspects who had been arrested sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and were confirmed dead on the way to the hospital. Several other gang members managed to flee with injuries, while two police officers were wounded and are receiving treatment.

Abia State Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, commended the bravery of the operatives and vowed that the command would continue to hunt down criminal gangs until they are completely dismantled. He assured residents that no criminal would find refuge in the state and warned that those who refuse to repent would face the full weight of the law.

Police said further operations are ongoing in the area to track down fleeing suspects and recover additional arms.