UMUAHIA -The Abia state police command,Umuahia ,has killed six kidnap suspects and recovered two AK 47 rifles following a raid on a criminal hideout at Ikot Ukpon village in Obot Akara council area of Akwa Ibom state.
Items recovered from the hideout include 57 rounds of live ammunition, a locally made pistol, 6 magazines, and a large bag of charms and spiritual materials.
The suspects were allegedly linked to the abduction of the Managing Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas Company,along Opobo – Azumini road,in March 2025.
Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO,Abia state Command,DSP Maureen Chinaka, who confirmed the arrest, stated that operatives acting on credible intelligence, traced the suspects to the hideout where they engaged the security operatives and sustained bullet wounds while trying to escape and later died on the way to the hospital.
Two policemen also sustained injuries during the raid and are receiving medical attention at the hospital.
The PPRO said;”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 Managing Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas Company,along Azumiri Road, Ukwa East LGA of Abia State.
“The incident also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the Counter Terrorism Unit,(CTU), in Rivers State, Anayo Ukwu, and the Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station, Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke.”
She disclosed that as the operatives exited the camp after the raid, they were ambushed by other members of the gang 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 attention at the hospital.
The PPRO assured that the manhunt for fleeing suspects will continue in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command.
She also urged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious individuals, especially anyone with bullet injuries, to the nearest police station.
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