The Abia State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime, killing five suspected kidnappers and recovering a large cache of weapons in a successful operation in Ukwa West Local Government Area.
This was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Maureen Chinaka, who said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to curb the rising incidents of kidnapping in parts of the state, especially around the Umuozuo community.
According to Chinaka, a joint tactical team of operatives from the Abia State Police Command stormed a kidnappers’ hideout in Umuiku Obete Village after receiving credible intelligence that linked the location to a notorious gang responsible for several recent abductions.
The operation led to a gun battle between the suspects and the police team. At the end of the exchange, five members of the gang were confirmed dead.
The police recovered a significant number of items at the scene, including six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, 14 magazines, and one double-barrel long gun. Also recovered were five mobile phones, three cutlasses, five operational jackets, an axe, one military-style boot, a polo shirt, and suspected charms, which the gang may have been using as part of their operations.
Maureen Chinaka confirmed that some members of the gang managed to escape and are currently on the run. She said the Command had launched an intensive manhunt for the fleeing suspects and called on members of the public to provide any useful information that could help in their arrest.
“This operation shows our resolve to rid the state of criminal elements and ensure the safety of every resident,” she said.
In a separate development, the police also recovered a double-barrel long gun during a routine patrol by officers of the Arochukwu Divisional Headquarters. The firearm was found in Amuvi Village in Arochukwu Local Government Area on Saturday.
Chinaka reiterated that investigations are ongoing in both incidents to determine the full scope of the gang’s operations and identify those who may be connected to them.
The Commissioner of Police in Abia State, Danladi Isa, has commended the officers involved in the operations and assured residents that the Command is committed to reducing criminal activities in all parts of the state.
According to him, “The Command will not relent in its duty to protect lives and property. We will continue to act on credible intelligence and work closely with communities to tackle crime.”
He also urged residents to remain calm but vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements or individuals in their neighbourhoods.
This latest operation comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in several parts of Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has become a lucrative criminal enterprise. States across the South-East, including Abia, have been working to improve their policing strategies to deal with this threat.
The success of this operation is seen as a morale booster for both security operatives and the local communities affected by such criminal activities. Stakeholders have praised the police for their swift response and effective use of intelligence in tracking down the suspects.
As the Abia State Police continue to intensify efforts to secure rural and urban areas alike, authorities have promised more raids and coordinated actions in flashpoints identified as hideouts for criminal gangs.
Residents of Umuozuo and surrounding areas have expressed relief over the development and are calling on the government and security agencies to sustain the momentum.
