Gift Okpara, better known as 2baba – who is believed to be the leader of the dreaded Icelanders cult group responsible for the death of DPO Angbashim and countless others – has been the target of a coordinated manhunt by a combined security team of the police and other security agencies.
The matter took an interesting turn when the Police confirmed the death of 2baba following a gun battle with his gang.
This confirmation was contained in a statement signed by the Command’s PRO Grace Iringe-Koko in which the timeline of the manhunt operation is chronicled chronologically.
The police say 2baba escaped but was later confirmed dead from his injuries and that efforts are on to recover his body.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT BELOW
PRESS RELEASE: CP RIVERS ANNOUNCES OPERATION TARGETING NOTORIOUS CRIMINAL 2BABA, LEADER OF ICELAND SECRET CULT.
Date: February 19, 2024
In response to the heinous murder of SP Bako Angbashim, the courageous Divisional Police Officer of Ahoada Division, on September 8, 2023, in Odiemude Community, Ahoada-West LGA of Rivers State, 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.
Viral videos revealing the brutal murder of SP Bako and the brazen display of weapons identified 2BABA and his gang, 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. 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.
The Commissioner urged officers to intensify efforts in apprehending 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. May their souls rest in peace.
The operation adheres to the philosophy of policing by consent, where police authority relies on public consensus rather than force. 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. During the operation, more than 70 suspects tied to SP Bako’s murder were arrested and prosecuted.
However, 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. A resolution was reached, declaring that an attack on one agency is an affront to all, reinforcing their united pursuit of justice against the perpetrators.
Timeline of the Special Operation Targeting 2BABA: On November 28, 2023, at 1600hrs, 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 a two-week 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 (0100hrs): 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 Iceland 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.
SP GRACE IRIGE-KOKO, ANIPR POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, RIVERS STATE COMMAND, PORT HARCOURT.
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