Abia Police Raid Kidnappers’ Hideout, Recover Weapons and Neutralize Suspects
Abia State Police Command has raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Ikot Ukpon, Obot Akara, Akwa Ibom, recovering AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and charms. Six suspects were neutralized, two officers injured, and a manhunt launched for fleeing gang members.
The Abia State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime with the successful raid of a notorious kidnappers’ hideout in Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The operation, which took place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at about 8:30 pm, was carried out in connection with the investigation into the March 4, 2025 kidnapping of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri Road, Ukwa East LGA, which also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip (CTU Rivers State Command), Anayo Ukwu, and Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, operatives, acting on credible intelligence, stormed the hideout and arrested six suspected kidnappers. Recovered items from the camp include:
- Two (2) AK-47 rifles
- Fifty-seven (57) live ammunition
- One (1) locally made pistol
- Six (6) magazines
- One large bag filled with charms and spiritual items
Shortly after the raid, the operatives were ambushed by other gang members in an attempt to free their arrested colleagues. This led to a fierce gun battle. The six arrested suspects sustained gunshot injuries while trying to escape and later died on the way to the hospital. Several others fled the scene with bullet wounds.
The police confirmed that two officers sustained gunshot injuries during the confrontation and are currently receiving treatment. The Command has since intensified a massive combing of the area to apprehend fleeing suspects and completely dismantle the gang’s network.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, commended the operatives for their bravery and reassured residents of Abia that the Command remains determined to rid the state of kidnappers and other violent criminals.
“There will be no hiding place for unrepentant criminals in Abia State. We will continue to work closely with the Akwa Ibom State Police Command to track down the fleeing suspects and ensure they face justice,” the CP stated.
The Command urged residents to be security conscious and report anyone with unexplained bullet wounds or suspicious behavior to the nearest police station. Members of the public can also reach the Command through its emergency hotlines: 08035415405, 08079210003, 08079210004, 08079210005.
The police reaffirmed their call: “See Something, Say Something.”
