Umuahia — The Abia State Police Command has successfully dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate operating in Ukwa West Local Government Area, recovering a cache of deadly weapons including six AK-47 rifles, 335 rounds of live ammunition, and other criminal exhibits.
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The breakthrough followed a tactical operation on June 30, 2025, at about 5:30 p.m., when joint tactical teams of the Command, acting on credible intelligence, raided a known kidnappers’ hideout at Umuiku Obete Village, Ukwa West LGA. The gang had been linked to a series of kidnapping incidents along Umuozo Village, Uratta Road, off Port Harcourt Road.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the suspects opened fire upon sighting the police operatives, prompting a fierce gun battle. Five members of the gang were neutralized in the shootout.
Recovered from the scene were:
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
One (1) double-barrel long gun (recovered in a separate operation)
In a related development, on August 2, 2025, officers of the Arochukwu Divisional Headquarters recovered a double-barrel long gun at Amuvi Village, Arochukwu. Investigations are ongoing into both operations to apprehend fleeing suspects and determine the origin of the recovered weapons.
Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa, praised the operatives for their bravery and reaffirmed the Command’s determination to rid the state of violent crime. He called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or persons, especially those with gunshot wounds, to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines:
📞 08035415405
📞 08079210004
📞 08079210005
📞 08079210006
“See Something, Say Something”
Signed:
DSP Maureen C. Chinaka, LLB, anipr
Police Public Relations Officer
For: The Commissioner of Police,
Abia State Command
