Criminal elements in the Abia and Akwa Ibom corridor contend with police super power as the law enforcement agents neutralize the suspects behind the killing of Port Harcourt socialite and oil magnate
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
The Abia State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of the kidnapping and killing of Dozzman Oil and Gas Managing Director, Chief Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, after operatives stormed a criminal hideout in Ikot Ukpon Village, Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
Tentacle learnt that the March 4, 2025 tragic incident, which also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the Counter Terrorism Unit in Rivers State and Chief Anayo Ukwu, Director of Sobaz Oil and Gas, had sent shockwaves across the South-East Oil and Gas industry.
It was also gathered that acting on credible intelligence, the Police launched the raid at about 8:30pm on Thursday, August 21, 2025, targeting the gang’s camp in Obot Akara, arrested six suspects and seized a cache of weapons including two AK-47 rifles, 57 rounds of live ammunition, one locally made pistol, six magazines and a bag of charms believed to be used for spiritual protection.
A source told Tentacle that as officers were exiting the camp, heavily armed gang members attempted an ambush to free their captured colleagues leading to a fierce gun battle during which the six arrested suspects were seriously wounded while trying to escape.
They were later confirmed dead on their way to the hospital, while the two police officers, who sustained gunshot injuries during the exchange of gunfire are currently receiving treatment.
Commissioner of Police, CP Danladi Isa described the raid as “a decisive step in dismantling the kidnappers’ network terrorizing the Abia-Akwa Ibom Corridor.’’
He assured that a full-scale manhunt was on going to track fleeing members of the syndicate, warning that” there will be no hiding place for criminals in Abia State.”.
The brazen attack that claimed Chijioke’s life, a well-known Socialite in the Garden City and Father of two early this year was one of the deadliest targeted strikes against oil executives in Nigeria, sparking fears about the safety of business leaders in South-East.
Security experts who spoke to Tentacle said that the breakthrough could calm nerves within the petroleum sectors, but warned that other kidnapping cells remain active across the Niger Delta and adjoining states.
Residents have been urged to support ongoing security operations. The police command specifically appealed to the public to report anyone with unexplained bullet wounds or suspicious movements either directly to nearby police stations or through the state emergencies hotlines. “Community Intelligence is vital- Criminals often hide among us,” CP Isa stressed.
Similarly, the Akwa-Ibom Police Command has also disclosed that it recorded two major breakthroughs in the fight against crime, with the arrest of three men from an armed robbery gang and the rescue of 20 trafficked Ghanaians in Uyo.
Police Spokesperson, DSP Timfon John in separate statements, said the Command’s Intelligence led operations not only took a notorious robbery syndicate off the street but also uncovered a suspected international human trafficking network.
According to the report, on August 12, 2025, A 32-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint while on a morning walk along Believers Assembly Road by Udom Udoma Avenue, Uyo, two men on a motorcycle carted away her iPhone 12 Pro worth N650,000.
Subsequently, investigations revealed that the gangs had robbed at least five other residents in the city during early morning hours.
Acting on intelligence, police operatives arrested one, Obong Michael Patrick, 27, from Ikpa Ibiono in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area.
His confession led to the arrest of two accomplices, Abraham Kanu 20, From Adamawa State and Nazipi Dahiru 25 from Gombe State, both residents of Itam Itu Local Government Area.
Recovered from the suspects were a black operational motorcycle, a locally-made pistol, and a dagger. Investigations further revealed that the gang transported stolen phones to Kano for resale. Efforts are ongoing to recover the stolen property.
In a separate operation on August 18, police operatives stormed a compound in Obio Etio Village, Uyo and rescued 20 Ghanaians, 10 men and 10 women after receiving a request for assistance from the Ghana Police Service and InterPol.
The victims, found in a heavily fenced building, appeared disoriented and unable to give coherent accounts of their situation, raising suspicions that they may have been hypnotized. Investigation into the trafficking syndicate is still ongoing.
DSP John assured residents of the Command’s Commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
