The Rivers State Police Command has killed and recovered the corpse of 2baba, the suspected gang leader believed to be the mastermind behind the murder of the late DPO of Ahoada Police Division, Bako Angbashim.
Last year, Governor Siminalayi Fubara placed a N100 million bounty on the suspected kidnapper and his gang for the murder of DPO Bako Angbashim, a superintendent of police, and for the resurgence of violent crimes, including kidnapping and terrorism.
On February 17, at about noon, 2baba and the gang attacked Okogbe Town and Odiokwu community, destroying several pipelines. In response, the security forces raided their camp, and despite a fierce gun battle, the gang escaped, but with injuries. While information had filtered in that Baba couldn’t survive the gunshot wounds he sustained, there was nothing concrete to back that up until his body was recovered last night.
Due to the extremely difficult terrain and strategically positioned informants to monitor any entrance into the forest, it was gathered that it took the squad about two hours before they could access the forest and recover the body.
Highlighting the timeline of the special operation targeting 2Baba, the command spokesperson, SP Grace Irige-Kolo, stated: On November 28, 2023, at 1600 hrs, 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 (alias 2BABA), and his associates. The operation aimed to capture those responsible for the murder of SP Bako Angbashim and recover their weapons and ammunition.
On November 29, 2023, a female associate of 2BABA was arrested, offering valuable insights into the fugitive’s lifestyle.
On December 3, 2023, information revealed that 2BABA frequently visited a nearby community via canoe.
Despite two weeks of surveillance for an ambush using human intelligence (HUMINT), he abruptly stopped visiting, seemingly aware of the proposed operation to be launched.
On December 6, 2023, 2BABA executioner Faithful Babinghton Joseph, seen wielding an AK47 in a viral gang video, was arrested at his Etche LGA hideout. He died from a gunshot wound sustained during a failed escape attempt.
December 13, 2023: Another female associate of 2BABA was apprehended.
December 15, 2023 (0100 hrs): An attack was launched against 2BABA, but he evaded capture due to information provided by his network of informants in various communities. His camp was subsequently destroyed, prompting him to relocate.
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.
December 31, 2023: A multi-agency attack was launched on 2BABA’s camp, resulting in his narrow escape and subsequent relocation.
From January 19, 2024: Operatives successfully deployed advanced technology, revolutionizing their approach to the operation and gathering crucial intelligence.
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.
On February 10, 2024, the command shared essential information with the Air Force. Around 19:30 on the scheduled day, the Air Force executed an aerial assault, causing significant casualties and injuries to 2BABA and his gang.
On February 17, 2024, at around 12:00 a.m., 2BABA and his gang attacked Okogbe town and Odiokwu community, destroying pipelines. At 4:00 a.m., operatives raided 2BABA’s new camp. Despite a fierce gun battle, 2BABA and his gang members escaped. However, at around 14:00 hours, intelligence confirmed 2BABA’s death after he lost consciousness and resuscitation attempts failed.
Efforts are in progress to retrieve the body of the infamous killer, while investigations into the Icelandic cult’s activities in the region continue.
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.
This is a list of items recovered from the camp:
1. One AK47 rifle
2. One G3 rifle
3. One scorpion rifle.
4. One double-barrel locally made gun.
5. Two locally made pistols.
6. One cut-to-size double barrel gun.
7. One bulletproof vest.
8. Thirteen pieces of Dynamites.
9. Five rounds of.9mm live ammunition.
10. Army camouflage.
11. Assorted charms.
12. One human skull.
13. One jack knife.
