The Abia State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its investigation into the March 4, 2025 kidnapping and killing of the Managing Director of Dozzman Oil & Gas, Mazi Chidozie Confidence Chijioke, along Azumiri Road in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.
The incident, which also claimed the lives of ASP Tanko Naptip of the Counter Terrorism Unit, Rivers State Command, and Mr. Anayo Ukwu, Director of Sobaz Oil & Gas, sent shockwaves across the state earlier in the year.
Acting on credible intelligence, police operatives traced the hideout of the suspected kidnappers to Ikot Ukpon Village in Obot Akara Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
On Thursday night, August 21, 2025, at about 8:30 p.m., the hideout was stormed in a coordinated raid. Six suspects were arrested during the operation. Items recovered include:
• Two AK-47 rifles
• Fifty-seven rounds of live ammunition
• One locally made pistol
• Six magazines
• A large bag containing charms and other items believed to be for spiritual protection
However, as the operatives were exiting the camp, they were ambushed by other fleeing members of the gang who attempted to rescue their arrested colleagues. A gun duel ensued. The six suspects arrested earlier sustained gunshot wounds while trying to escape and were confirmed dead on the way to the hospital. Two police officers also sustained injuries in the crossfire and are currently receiving treatment.
Police Commissioner CP Danladi Isa described the raid as a decisive step in dismantling the network of kidnappers terrorizing the Abia-Akwa Ibom axis. He vowed that the manhunt for other fleeing suspects would continue, stressing that there would be “no hiding place for criminals in Abia State.”
The Police Command called on residents to be vigilant and report anyone with unexplained bullet injuries or suspicious movements to the nearest police station or through the Command’s emergency hotlines.
