Police Neutralize 5 Kidnappers, Recover Weapons in Abia State Operation

The Abia State Police Command has scored a major victory in the fight against crime, dismantling a deadly kidnapping gang operating within the state.

According to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the tactical unit of the police engaged the gang in a fierce shootout on Monday, August 4, 2025.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the notorious gang opened fire on the police. But they couldn’t match the superior firepower of our men,” Chinaka revealed.

During the gun battle, five gang members were neutralized, and several deadly weapons were recovered from the scene. These include:

Six AK-47 rifles

335 rounds of live ammunition

Fourteen magazines

Five operational jackets

Three cutlasses

One axe

Five mobile phones

One boot and a polo shirt with charms

The police said investigations are ongoing to track down the remaining gang members who escaped during the operation.

DSP Chinaka also called on residents to assist the police by reporting anyone seen with gunshot wounds or suspicious behavior to the nearest police station or via emergency hotlines.

This successful operation marks a significant blow to organized kidnapping rings in Abia and reflects the police’s renewed efforts to restore safety and security across the state.