The Abia State Police Command has neutralized six suspected kidnappers during a gun battle at Ikot Ukpon Village in the Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The police operatives successfully raided the criminal hideout, arrested the suspects, and recovered two AK-47 rifles and 57 live ammunition.
The command’s spokesperson, Maureen Chinaka, in a statement on Saturday, said the police were ambushed by other members of the gang while exiting the camp after the successful operation.
She said the ensuing gun battle resulted in the deaths of the six arrested suspects, who sustained gunshot injuries and died on their way to the hospital.
According to her, “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.
“The six arrested suspects, while attempting to escape, sustained gunshot injuries and died on the way to the hospital for medical attention. Other members of the gang fled with bullet wounds.
Meanwhile, two police officers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical attention, ” she said.
Chinaka added that the police recovered several items from the suspects, including one locally made pistol, six magazines, and a big bag filled with materials suspected to be charms and spiritual items.
The Abia Police Command had been tracking the suspected gang, which was linked to the kidnapping of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas on March 4, 2025.
The incident led to the deaths of ASP Tanko Naptip and Anayo Ukwu.
The gang was also responsible for the killing of Chiedozie Chijioke, the Managing Director of Dozzman Filling Station.
