By Olawale Lamina
In response to the gruesome murder of Suprintendent of Police, SP Bako Angbashim, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO of Ahoada Division, last September in Odiemude Community, Ahoada-West Local Government Area of Rivers State, the law enforcement agencies, including the Police, Military, and other relevant stakeholders, have pledged their commitment to apprehend the culprits and ensure that justice is served.
A viral videos had revealed the brutal murder of SP Bako and the brazen display of weapons by the leader of a notorious cultist, identified as David Gift Okpara, alias 2BABA and his gang, said to be affiliated with the Iceland Secret Cult.
Following the development, concerted efforts were directed by the police, to actualize the arrest of the gang leader through a manhunt, that saw the Rivers State Government and Nigeria Police offering a 100 million naira bounty for any credible information leading to 2BABA’s arrest.
Stakeholders in the security circle in the state had equally resolved that culprits would be made to face the consequences of their actions in an effort to ensure that justice is served.
A statement by the Rivers State Police Command had recalled that, upon his assumption of office as the Commissioner of Police for Rivers State on November 15, 2023, CP Olatunji Disu embarked on an operational tour of Ahoada local government, where the late DPO was murdered.
The CP had urged officers to intensify efforts in apprehending those responsible for the gruesome killing of the DPO. He seized the occasion to pay his respect to the five innocent individuals—Charles Osu, Ogbobula Eja, Idaowukwa Felix, Paul Victor, and Achinivu Saturday Edi—who were tragically killed by the notorious gang leader, 2BABA and his gang on suspicion of their victims’ collaboration with the police.
Meanwhile, the state Police Command has extended appreciation to the stakeholders for enhancing intelligence-led operations and ensuring no injuries or casualties among law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice.
The statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Grace Irige-Koko (ANIPR), further confirmed that in the operation put in palce by the CP, more than 70 suspects connected to SP Bako’s murder were arrested and prosecuted.
However, the command stated that, 2BABA and his gang managed to escape arrest by withdrawing into the forest, exploiting the difficult terrain and strategically placing informants to monitor security forces’ movements.
The statement added that, despite the turn of events, the command in its resolve formed specialized teams, in collaboration with the Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Securities and Civil Defence Corps through joint security meetings, where a resolution was reached, declaring that an attack on one agency is an affront on all, reinfocing their united pursuit of justice against the perpetrators.
The police command also indicated the timeline of the Special Operation targeting the gang leader which revealed that, on November 28, 2023, at about 4pm, the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, formed a special joint operation involving Tactical Units and the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) to apprehend the wanted suspect, David Gift Okpara, and his associates. The command said that the operation aimed to capture those responsible for the murder of SP Bako Angbashim and recover their weapons and ammunition.
Similarly, the statement by the PPRO equally confirmed that, on November 29, 2023, a female associate of 2BABA was arrested, offering valuable insights into the fugitive’s lifestyle.
According to the PPRO, on December 3, 2023, information revealed that 2BABA frequently visited a nearby community via canoe, but despite a two-week surveillance for an ambush using human intelligence (HUMINT), he abruptly stopped visiting, seemingly aware of the proposed operation to be launched. The command stated that,
on December 6, 2023, 2BABA executioner, Faithful Babinghton Joseph, was seen wielding an AK47 in a viral gang video. The police command said that he was arrested at his Etche LGA hideout, where he died from a gunshot wound sustained during a failed escape attempt.
Similarly, a statement by the police command also revealed that in December 13, 2023, another female associate of 2BABA was apprehended, while on December 15, 2023, an attack was launched against 2BABA, but he evaded being captured due to information provided by his network of informants in various communities. In the process, his camp was subsequently destroyed, prompting him to relocate.
The command said that, on December 23, 2023, operatives arrested a nurse and an informant who provided information to 2BABA leading to the killing of five individuals in his community. The nurse also facilitated logistical support for 2BABA’s gang, including food, illicit drugs, water, and gathering information on police activities. Both suspects are currently facing legal proceedings, while on
December 31, 2023: A multi-agency attack was launched on 2BABA’s camp, resulting in his narrow escape and subsequent relocation.
But in the face of the developments, on January 19, 2024, the command said that its operatives successfully deployed advanced technology, revolutionizing their approach to the operation and gathering crucial intelligence and pointed out that on February 1, 2024, it became clear through continuous surveillance that 2BABA strategically selected a campsite with difficult terrain to discourage land-based attacks, necessitating the use of canoes to reach the location. This led to the command sharing essential information with the Air Force, resulting in the Air Force executing an aerial assault, causing significant casualties and injuries to 2BABA and his gang.
In what seemed like the final straw, the command stated that,
on February 17, 2024, at around 12:00hrs, 2BABA and his gang attacked Okogbe town and Odiokwu community, destroying pipelines.
This led operatives of the command to embark on the raid of 2BABA’s new camp, saying that despite a fierce gun battle, 2BABA and his gang members escaped.
However, the command said that of the said date, at around 14:00hrs, intelligence confirmed 2BABA’s death after he lost consciousness and resuscitation attempts failed.
While efforts are still in progress to retrieve the body of the infamous gang leader, the command said it is stepping up investigations into the Iceland cult’s activities in the region, while assuring that, the “Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its duty to protect the lives and property of the citizens, and it will continue to employ all necessary resources and strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.”
Items recovered from the camp of the criminal gang include one AK47 rifle,
one G3 rifle, one scorpion rifle, one Double Barrel locally made gun, two locally made pistols, one cut-to-size double barrel gun and one bullet proof vest.
Other items include, thirteen pieces of dynamites, five rounds of .9mm live ammunition, army camouflage, assorted charms, one human skull and jack knife.
About The Author
