The suspects, Nzeribe also known as Nze, who was second in command to the late Abia State kidnap kingpin, Osisikankwu; Samuel, known as ND; and Chima are all believed to have masterminded several heinous crimes over the last few years, including the murder of Ambassador Ignatius Ajuru and his escort personnel; murder of Mr. Hyacinth Azu Nwangolo, former River State deputy director and head of Eco Service Department; murder of His Royal Highness, Ben Nwaogu, traditional ruler of Nihi Etche; kidnap of five female corpers in Eberi Omuma; kidnap of 120-year-old Pa Nwosu; kidnap of Hon Kelechi in Eberi Omuma and numerous bullion van and bank robberies along Aba/Port Harcourt Express Way.
The collapse of the gang had been long expected, since the Joint Military Task Force operating in the state killed (on 12th December 2011) its infamously powerful leader, Osisikankwu, whose real name is Obioma Nwankwo, after he was declared wanted by the Police.
Announcing his then killing, Army spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa, said the criminal was hacked down at Ugwuati Evil Forest during a gun duel between the task force and his gang.
The soldiers then went on to display his body in an open van round Aba to cheers from jubilant residents. Osisikankwu was believed to have led all kidnap gangs in Abia, each maintaining stranglehold on different segments of the state.
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