Operatives of the Abia State Police Command have raided criminal hideouts linked to the March 4, 2025, attack and kidnapping of the Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas along Azumiri Road, Ukwa East Local Government Area.
It was learnt the kidnap incident led to the death of ASP Tanko Naptip (CTU Rivers State Command), Anayo Ukwu, and the Managing Director of DozzMan Filling Station, Mr. Chidozie Confidence Chijioke.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, disclosed in a statement on Friday that leveraging credible intelligence, the command traced the suspected kidnappers to Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara LGA, Akwa Ibom State, in connection with the incident.
She said the operation took place on Thursday, at about 8:30 p.m.
“Yesterday, 21/08/2025 at about 8:30 pm, operatives of the Command successfully raided the criminal hideout at Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara LGA, Akwa Ibom State,arrested six (6) suspected kidnappers and recovered two (2) AK-47 rifles, fifty-seven (57) live ammunition, one (1) locally made pistol, six (6) magazines, and one (1) big bag filled with materials suspected to be charms and spiritual items,” she stated.
Chinaka added that as police operatives were exiting the camp, they were ambushed by other gang members attempting to rescue their partners.
“This resulted in a gun battle with the police. The six (6) 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 said further combing of the area is ongoing to apprehend other fleeing kidnappers and rid the area of criminal activities.
The Abia Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isa, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring that there will be no hiding place for criminals in the state.
He assured Abians that every unrepentant criminal will be made to face the wrath of the law.
The Borno State Police Command has clarified that five suspects arrested in Maiduguri were not prosecuted for wearing “Tinubu Must Go,” T-shirts.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, made the clarification in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 following public reactions to the arrest and prosecution of the suspects.
According to the PPRO, the suspects were arrested over allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and possession of drug substances.
The Command distances the arrests and prosecution from political discrimination, insisting that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The attention of the Borno State Police Command has been drawn to the viral reports and widespread public discourse concerning the arrest and subsequent prosecution of five suspects in connection with allegations of inciting disturbance, breach of public peace, thuggery and being in possession of drug substance,” the statement read.
“Brief of the Case:On 25 September, 2026, at about 1800hrs, officers of the Command, while on a routine township patrol around West End Roundabout area Maiduguri, apprehended five suspects allegedly involved in conduct capable of causing public disturbance.
“The suspects were found in possession of 15 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp, 100 tablets suspected to be D5, one shisha pot, one Scissors, two T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go.”
“The suspects were subsequently subjected to preliminary investigation, during which statements were obtained from them.
“Upon completion of the initial investigation, the case was charged to court.
“The Command wishes to categorically state that the Nigeria Police Force is a professional, non-partisan institution and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of political affiliation or viewpoint. Nigeriancultural events
“The Command remains committed to the protection of fundamental human rights, the rule of law, due process, accountability and transparency in the discharge of its responsibilities.
“The Command further emphasizes that the decision to charge the matter before a competent court is intended to allow the appropriate judicial process to take its course.
“Members of the public are therefore urged to rely on verified information and allow the court to determine the matter based on the facts and evidence presented before it.
“The Borno State Police Command remains committed to professionalism, impartiality, accountability and the protection of lives and property.”
The suspects were identified as Zion Danjuma, 20; Looji Augustine, 18; and Isah Mohammed, 23.
The sources said the suspects were subsequently handed over to Keystone B Division, Bukuru, for further investigation and appropriate action.
In a separate operation at about 10:20 a.m. the same day, troops of Sector 1, Sub-Sector 12, raided a suspected criminal hideout in Shen village, also in Jos South LGA.
During the operation, the troops arrested a 42-year-old suspect identified as Abdullahi Abdullahi.
The suspect has been profiled by the security forces for further action as investigations continue.
The operations are part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal activities and strengthen security across communities in the Jos South axis.
The Edo State Police Command has recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen in the state and taken to Imo State.
The spokesperson for the command, ASP Eno Ikoedem disclosed this during a press briefing on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
According to the PPRO, the suspects connected to the abduction were arrested, while investigation into the incident continues.
She added that the baby has since been reunited with the family.
“Operatives of the Gender and Family Unit successfully recovered a six-month-old baby allegedly stolen and taken to Imo State, while suspects connected to the incident were arrested. The child has since been reunited with the family,” Ikoedem stated.