Slain DPO: Rivers Police Confirm death of prime suspect

Slain DPO: Rivers Police Confirm Death of the Prime Suspect

By Faith Kordoo

The Rivers State Police Command says the prime suspect in the murder of SP Bako Angbashim, notorious kingpin Gift Okpara, also known as 2Baba, is dead.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe Koko, made this known in a statement made available to newsmen.
Really, on September 8, 2023, SP Bako Angbashim, the courageous Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, was heinously murdered.

Viral videos revealing the brutal murder of SP Bako and the brazen display of weapons identified 2BABA and his gang as affiliated with the Iceland Secret Cult.

A manhunt ensued, with the Rivers State Government and Nigeria Police offering a 100 million naira bounty for any credible information leading to 2BABA’s arrest.

The statement stressed that the law enforcement agencies, including the police, military, and relevant stakeholders, have been unwavering in their commitment to apprehending the culprits and ensuring justice is served.

The command noted that upon his death, efforts were in progress to retrieve the body of the infamous killer, while investigations into the Icelandic cult’s activities in the region continued.

It also reiterated its resolve to protect the lives and property of the citizens, assuring that it will continue to employ all necessary resources and strategies to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

Providing a timeline of the Special Operation Targeting 2BABA, SP Iringe Koko revealed 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), 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 Babington 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 19:30hrs 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 12:00hrs, 2BABA and his gang attacked Okogbe town and Odiokwu community, destroying pipelines.
At 04:00hrs, operatives raided 2BABA’s new camp. Despite a fierce gun battle, 2BABA and his gang members escaped. However, at around 14:00hrs, 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.
According to the police, items recovered from the camp 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, one bulletproof vest, thirteen pieces of Dynamites, five rounds of.9mm live ammunition, Army camouflage, assorted charms, one human skull, and one jack knife.