The commissioner of police in Rivers state, Olatunji Disu has narrated how notorious Iceland cult leader and alleged killer of the DPO of the Ahoada division, Bako Angbashim was traced and killed by a combined team of security agencies, including the Nigerian Airforce in Ahoada West, Rivers state.
The commissioner said this during a press briefing at the state police headquarters in Moscow Road Port Harcourt while parading the decomposing body of the late cult leader.
Quick Links To The 2baba’s Story
How Rivers State Iceland Cult Leader 2baba and his Gang Killed DPO Bako Angbashim in 2023
The dreaded cult leader 2baba, on September 8, 2023, ambushed and killed the then Divisional Police Office of Ahoada, Bako Angbashim in Odiemude community, Ahaoda east local government area of Rivers state.
Angbashim’s body was later dismembered and a video of it was shared on the internet showing gang members mocking the dead DPO.
The incident sent shock waves across the state leading to 2baba and his gang members being declared wanted by the state government. Subsequently, a bounty of N100m was announced for the capture or killing of 2baba by the Rivers state governor, Sir Siminilaye Fubara.
Police Arrest 2baba’s Witch Doctor in Ogoni
In September, 2023 the River State Police Command announced the arrest of a 33-year-old native doctor, who allegedly prepared charms for 2baba and his gang members. He was arrested on Wednesday 27 September along Odeimini Road, Ahoada East.
The arrested witch doctor was said to be a native of Sii in Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.
How 2baba’s Female Acquaintance Helped Police Investigations
The brief presented to the press by the police cited how a female acquaintance of the late cult leader provided useful information that led to the raid and killing of 2baba in a forest in Ahoada West.
“On December 13, 2023: Another female associate of 2BABA was apprehended.” The brief stated.
Vital information, including 2baba’s routine visits to a riverine community in the rural suburbs of Ahoada were useful to the police.
2baba Ambushed, Killed by a team of combined Security Team
The late cult leader was ambushed on February 17, 2024 by a team of the police tactical team, the police IRT team from Abuja and some military and para-military agencies. The criminals’ camp was first bombarded by air strikes by the Nigerian Airforce before a ground troop of combined security team swop in on the gang, dismantling their strongholds and killing its leader, 2baba.
Gang Members Escape With 2baba’s Corpse, Buries Him in Shallow Grave
The police also narrated that after 2baba was killed, his corpse was taken away by his gang members who later buried him in a shallow grave located in a forest in Ahoada West.
Police Exhume 2baba’s Decomposing Corpse
On the 23rd of February, 2024, following a reliable tip off, the police traced, located and exhumed the decomposing corpse of the slain cult leader, 2baba in a forest in Ahoada West. His corpse was later paraded at the state police headquarters in Port Harcourt to newsmen.
Gift Okpara David aka 2baba’s Reign of Terror in Ahoada
Before he killed DPO Baka Angbashim, Gift Okpara David was a notorious criminal gang leader and kidnapper who terrorized the Ahoada East and Ahoada West areas of Rivers state. He was the acclaimed leader of the Iceland Cult Group, a notorious and bloody cult gang operating in Rivers state with wings spreading almost the entire state.
His gang collected levies from business owners and residents in Ahoada. Refusal to part with the levies to his gang would attract severe punishment and sometimes death.
2baba was also into the business of illegal oil refining and sand dredging. He was said to also often seize other people’s dredgers without provocations on many occasion.
His gang members were also involved in routine kidnappings for ransoms along the East West road.
His death signals a new beginning for the people of Ahoada West and Ahoada East in River state.
See video of full police press briefing below:
Detailed Timeline of How wanted Cult Leader, 2baba was Tracked, Killed, His body Buried in the Forest and Later Exhumed by the Police
READ THE FULL POLICE 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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