Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have killed six suspected kidnappers during a gun battle at a criminal hideout in Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The operation, carried out on August 21 at about 8:30 pm, followed weeks of intelligence gathering, according to the command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka.
She said, “Operatives of the Command successfully raided the criminal hideout, arrested six suspected kidnappers, and recovered two AK-47 rifles and fifty-seven live ammunition.”
Chinaka explained that the gun battle broke out as officers were leaving the camp after the raid.
“As operatives of the Command were exiting the camp after the successful operation, they were ambushed by other members of the gang, who attempted to rescue their partners in crime, which resulted in a gun battle with the police,” she said.
She added that the six arrested suspects sustained gunshot wounds while trying to escape and died on the way to the hospital. “Other members of the gang fled with bullet wounds. Meanwhile, two police officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical attention,” she added.
Items recovered during the raid include a locally made pistol, six magazines, and a large bag containing charms and other spiritual items.
The command said the raid was part of efforts to dismantle the gang linked to several violent crimes, including the kidnapping of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas, who was abducted along Azumini Road in Ukwa West on March 4, an incident that led to the deaths of ASP Tanko Naptip of Rivers Command and Anayo Ukwu.
The suspected gang was also linked to the killing of Chiedozie Chijioke, Managing Director of Dozzman Filling Station, which prompted intensified investigations and tracking efforts that led to the successful raid.
