Abia Police Raid Kidnap Hideout, Neutralize Suspects, Recover Weapons (Photo)

The Abia State Police Command has achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, following a successful raid on a notorious criminal hideout linked to the abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas earlier this year.

According to a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, and made available to ABN TV, operatives acting on credible intelligence traced the suspects to Ikot Ukpon Village in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

On Thursday, August 21, 2025, around 8:30 pm, police stormed the camp, arresting six suspected kidnappers. Items recovered from the operation included two AK-47 rifles, fifty-seven live rounds of ammunition, one locally made pistol, six magazines, and a large bag of charms and spiritual materials.

The suspects were linked to the March 4, 2025, abduction of the Sobaz Oil and Gas Director along Azumiri Road, Ukwa East LGA of Abia State — an incident that also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the Counter Terrorism Unit in Rivers State, Anayo Ukwu, and the Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station, Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke.

However, as operatives exited the camp after the successful raid, they were ambushed by other gang members who attempted to rescue their arrested colleagues. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which the six suspects sustained gunshot wounds while trying to escape and later died on the way to the hospital.

Other fleeing members of the gang escaped with bullet wounds, while two police officers sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring that criminals have no safe haven in the state. He assured that the manhunt for fleeing suspects will continue in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.

He also urged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals, especially anyone with bullet injuries, to the nearest police station or through the Command’s hotlines: 08035415405, 08079210003, 08079210004, and 08079210005.

“See something, say something,” the CP stressed.