REMEMBRING LATE. SP BAKO ANGBASHIM IN OGONI ALMOST 3 YEARS AFTER DEATH.
Who was Bako Angbashim?
SP Bako Angbashim was a respected Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Ahoada Division in Rivers State, Nigeria. Known for his dedication to combating cultism, kidnapping, and violent crime, he had previously served with distinction at Bori Police Divisional Headquarters in Ogoni before being redeployed to tackle criminal elements plaguing Ahoada communities .
The Tragic Incident (September 2023)
On the evening of September 8, 2023, SP Angbashim led a raid against criminal hideouts in Odumude community, Ahoada East LGA. During the operation, his team was ambushed. Despite being outgunned and running out of ammunition, Angbashim held his ground and was tragically overpowered by cultists, captured, and brutally beheaded .
The Inspector-General of Police denounced the murder as "utterly mindless" and vowed that those responsible would face justice . The prime suspect, Gift David Okpara (aka 2Baba), was declared wanted by the IGP for conspiracy, cultism, and the murder of SP Angbashim .
Investigations & Aftermath
Recovery Operations
In the aftermath, joint operations involving the Rivers State Police Command and the Force Intelligence Bureau led to the recovery of part of Angbashim’s remains—specifically his skull—from a shallow shrine-like burial site within 2Baba’s forest camp in March 2024. These remains were sent for genetic and forensic testing to confirm identification .
Subsequently, the police returned Angbashim’s remains to his family in a solemn ceremony at the Police Officers’ Mess in Port Harcourt. The Commissioner of Police hailed him as a "fallen hero," recognizing his prior achievements—such as his role in arresting notorious criminals and restoring peace in Bori—and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to justice .
Gift David Okpara (2Baba), the cult leader and main suspect in Angbashim’s murder, was kiled during a police operation on February 17, 2024. His body was eventually retrieved from another shallow grave after an intensive forest search .
In September 2023, during operations to recover Angbashim’s body, four cult suspects were killed in a gun battle and three others were arrested.
On Sept 8, 2023 SP Bako Angbashim ambushed and killed in Odumude, Ahoada East LGA.
SP Bako Angbashim was a courageous officer whose life was tragically cut short in the line of duty. His murder sparked ongoing police investigations, leading to recoveries, arrests, and the eventual neutralization of the suspected cult leader behind the crime. His legacy lives on as a symbol of bravery and sacrifice in the fight against violent criminal elements.
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