Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have killed six suspected kidnappers and recovered arms, ammunition, and charms during a raid on a criminal hideout linked to the March 4 abduction of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas.
The kidnap incident along Azumiri Road, Ukwa East Local Government Area, also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the CTU Rivers State Command, Anayo Ukwu, and Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station.
Police spokesperson, ASP Maureen Chinaka, in a statement on Friday, said the suspects were tracked to Ikot Ukpon Village in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
She disclosed that the operation, carried out around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 57 rounds of live ammunition, a locally made pistol, six magazines, and a bag filled with charms and spiritual items.
Chinaka added that the operatives came under attack as they exited the camp, prompting a gun battle.
The six suspects, who had been arrested, sustained gunshot wounds while attempting to escape and later died on the way to the hospital. Other gang members fled with bullet injuries.
She confirmed that two police officers were injured in the exchange of fire and are receiving treatment, while a manhunt for fleeing suspects is ongoing.
The Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, commended the operatives and assured residents that the command would sustain its crackdown on criminal gangs.
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“There will be no hiding place for criminals in the state,” he vowed.
