The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the death of the criminal and notorious cultist accused of being the mastermind of the murder of former Ahoada Divisional Police Officer, Bako Angbashim.
David Gift-Okpara, popularly known as 2Baba, according to the state command, was killed during a joint operation in Idu-Ekpeye community, Ahoada East LGA.
Angbashim was killed and his body dismembered by 2Baba and his cult gang in September 2023 in Odiemudie community, Ahoada East Local Government Area of the state.
The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, had issued a N100 million bounty for anyone with credible information about the whereabouts of 2Baba and his gang.
Some people in the state have also been arrested in connection with the murder of the DPO, who was famous for his doggedness in the fight against crime and criminality in Rivers State.
The Rivers State Police Command, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said, “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 to apprehend those responsible for the gruesome killing.”
The state command commended the support from stakeholders, which it said enhanced intelligence-led operations and ensured no injuries or casualties among law enforcement agencies in the pursuit of justice.
According to the statement: “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.”
The statement also revealed that a nurse who is facing legal action facilitated logistical support for 2Baba’s gang, including food, illicit drugs, water, and gathering information on police activities.
According to the police, from the information provided, 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.”
SP Iringe-Koko said on February 10, 2024, the command shared essential information with the Air Force, and on the scheduled day, the Air Force executed an aerial assault, causing significant casualties and injuries to 2Baba and his gang, noting that his camp was subsequently destroyed, prompting him to relocate.
The command’s spokesman said on February 17, 2024, 2Baba and his gang attacked Okogbe town and Odiokwu community, destroying pipelines.
Iringe-Koko said: “At 04:00 hours, 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 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.”
Items recovered from the camp include one AK47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one scorpion rifle, a double-barrel locally made gun, two locally made pistols, one cut-to-size double-barrel gun, one bulletproof vest, 13 pieces of dynamites, five rounds of 9mm live ammunition, army camouflage, assorted charms, one human skull, and a jackknife.