CP Olatunji Disu, leading the Rivers State Police Command, has provided a detailed account of the operations and events that resulted in the demise of Gift Okpara, also known as 2Baba. Okpara was identified as the prime suspect in the heinous murder of Ahaoda Divisional Police Officer, SP. Bako Angbasim.
Angbasim, a professional crime fighter, was brutally killed on September 8, 2023, in the Odeimude community, Ahoada West local government area, by the Iceland cult group led by 2Baba, with his body decapitated, mutilated, and paraded in a viral video.
In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, they confirmed their various efforts to apprehend the wanted killer, who had a N100 million bounty placed on him by the state government.
The statement said that upon assuming office as the Commissioner of Police for Rivers State on November 15, 2023, CP Olatunji Disu conducted an operational tour to Ahoada local government, where the late DPO was murdered.
During the tour, the commissioner urged officers to intensify efforts to apprehend those responsible for the gruesome killing.
He also paid respects to the five innocent individuals, Charles Osu, Ogbobula Eja, Idaowukwa Felix, Paul Victor, and Achinivu Saturday Edi, who were tragically killed by 2Baba and his gang on suspicion of collaboration with the police.
The statement said that despite the initial operation that led to the arrest of more than 70 suspects tied to SP Bako’s murder, 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.
Undeterred, the police formed specialized teams, coordinating with the Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, and NSCDC in joint security meetings with a resolution “that an attack on one agency is an affront to all, reinforcing their united pursuit of justice against the perpetrators.”
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It said that on November 28, 2023, at 1600 hrs, Commissioner of Police, Ola Tunji 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), his associates, and recover their weapons and ammunition.
The statement said: “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 a 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.
“On December 13, 2023, another female associate of 2Baba was apprehended.
On December 15, 2023, at 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.
“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.
“On December 31, 2023, a multi-agency attack was launched on 2Baba’s camp, resulting in his narrow escape and subsequent relocation.
It further stated: “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 19:30hrs 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 midnight, 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.”
The police said efforts were in progress to retrieve the body of the infamous killer, while investigations into the Iceland cult’s activities continued in the region
The statement said the operation adhered to the philosophy of policing by consent, where police authority relied on public consensus rather than force.
The statement said: “The Rivers State Police Command appreciates the support from stakeholders, enhancing intelligence-led operations, and ensuring no injuries or casualties among law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice.
“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.”
The statement listed arms, ammunition, and materials recovered from the gang as an AK47 rifle, a G3 rifle, a scorpion rifle, a double barrel locally made gun, two locally made pistols, one cut-to-size double barrel gun, and one bulletproof vest.
13 pieces of dynamite, five rounds of .9mm live ammunition, army camouflage assorted charms, one human skull, and one jack knife.
