In a decisive move to stem the tide of violent crime in Abia State, operatives of the Abia State Police Command have neutralized five members of a dreaded kidnapping syndicate and recovered a cache of deadly weapons during a tactical raid in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
The breakthrough operation, which took place on June 30, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., followed credible intelligence and was executed by a joint tactical team of the command. The team stormed a criminal hideout located at Umuiku Obete Village, a location linked to several recent kidnapping incidents along Umuozo Village, Uratta Road, off Port Harcourt Road.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, the suspects opened fire on the advancing police unit. However, they were overwhelmed by superior police firepower, leading to the death of five gang members during the fierce exchange.
Items recovered from the scene included: Six (6) AK-47 rifles,, 335 rounds of live ammunition, fourteen (14) magazines, five (5) handsets, three (3) cutlasses, five (5) operational jackets, one (1) axe, one (1) boot, one (1) polo charm, and one (1) double-barrel long gun.
The Command confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who fled the scene.
In a related development, officers attached to the Arochukwu Divisional Headquarters on August 2, 2025, recovered a double-barrel long gun at Amuvi Village, Arochukwu, following another intelligence-led operation. Police authorities have opened an inquiry into the origin and ownership of the weapon.
Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the Command’s unwavering commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring the safety of lives and property across Abia State. He called on citizens to remain vigilant and support law enforcement by providing timely and actionable information.
This development underscores the increasing effectiveness of security operations in Abia State and highlights the importance of community-police collaboration in dismantling organized criminal networks.
