ABIA POLICE RAID KIDNAPPERS’ HIDEOUT, KILL SUSPECTS, RECOVER ARMS

ABIA POLICE RAID KIDNAPPERS’ HIDEOUT, KILL SUSPECTS, RECOVER ARMS

In a major breakthrough in its ongoing fight against violent crime, the Abia State Police Command has raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Akwa Ibom State, killing six suspects and recovering a cache of weapons and other incriminating materials.

The raid is linked to the investigation of a deadly kidnapping incident on March 4, 2025, along Azumiri Road in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State. That attack led to the deaths of ASP Tanko Naptip of the Counter-Terrorism Unit, Rivers State Command, Mr. Anayo Ukwu, and Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, the Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station.

Following weeks of investigation and intelligence gathering, police operatives traced the suspects to their hideout in Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

The operation was carried out at about 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21. During the raid, six suspected kidnappers were arrested. Items recovered at the scene included:

Two AK-47 rifles

Fifty-seven live rounds of ammunition

One locally made pistol

Six magazines

A large bag containing items believed to be charms and spiritual materials

However, the operation took a deadly turn as operatives were ambushed by other armed members of the gang while exiting the hideout. A fierce gun battle ensued. During the chaos, the arrested suspects attempted to escape but were fatally wounded in the crossfire. They were confirmed dead while being rushed to a medical facility.

Two police officers sustained injuries in the confrontation and are currently receiving treatment.

Police say a manhunt is underway for other gang members who fled the scene with gunshot wounds. Authorities have intensified security operations in the area to dismantle the remaining criminal elements.

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Danladi Isa, reiterated the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal gangs. He assured the public that there will be no hiding place for kidnappers and violent offenders.

The CP also confirmed that the Abia Police Command is working closely with its Akwa Ibom counterpart to ensure the arrest of all suspects involved.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any person with suspicious injuries or behavior to the nearest police station.

Emergency contact numbers for the Command are as follows:
08035415405, 08079210003, 08079210004, 08079210005

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING.

Signed:
DSP Maureen C. Chinaka, LLB, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Command