TheCable

The police command in Rivers says Gift Okpara, a serial kidnapper otherwise known as 2Baba, has been killed by a joint security operation in the state.

Last year, Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, placed a N100 million bounty on the suspected kidnapper and his gang for the murder of Bako Angbashim, a superintendent of police.

The divisional police officer (DPO) was killed when his team ran into an ambush laid by the gang.

At the time, the governor said the suspected criminal had established camps in the Ahoada area in Ahoada East LGA and was responsible for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism.

Speaking on the matter since the bounty was announced, Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson of the command, said a joint operation of the police, army, navy, air force, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), raided the gang’s hideout on February 17.

Iringe-Koko said despite confirmation of his death, efforts are ongoing to recover the corpse.

“Despite extensive efforts, 2Baba and his gang managed to evade capture by retreating deeper into the forest, leveraging the difficult terrain and strategically positioning informants to monitor security forces’ movements,” the spokesperson said.

“On Dec. 3, information indicated that 2Baba frequented a nearby community via canoe. Despite a two-week surveillance to ambush him, he abruptly ceased visits, seemingly aware of our operation.

“On Dec. 6, 2Baba’s executioner, Faithful Joseph, who was seen wielding an AK47 in a viral gang video, was arrested at his Etche local government area hideout but succumbed from gunshot wounds sustained during his failed escape attempt.

“On January 19, operatives successfully deployed advanced technology, revolutionising their approach in the operation, leading to the gathering of crucial intelligence.

“On February 10, the command shared information with the Air Force, and at about 7:30 p.m., the Air Force executed an aerial assault, causing significant casualties and injuries to 2Baba and his gang.

“But on February 17 at about noon, the gang attacked Okogbe Town and Odiokwu community, destroying several pipelines.

“On the same day, a raid on 2Baba’s new camp ensued, and despite a fierce gun battle, the gang members escaped, but intelligence later confirmed 2Baba’s death.”

The spokesperson said an Ak47 rifle, a G3 rifle, a scorpion rifle, a locally made double barrel gun and two locally made pistols, were recovered from the gang’s hideout.

Other items retrieved included a one-cut-to-size double-barreled gun, a bulletproof vest, thirteen pieces of dynamite, five rounds of .9mm live ammunition, army camouflage, assorted charms, a human skull and a jack-knife.