Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, quoted intelligence sources as saying that the victims were among those abducted on March 4 when armed men, in a Toyota Sienna, ambushed a convoy escorting Obasi Lawson, a businessman.

The publication said the attackers shot and killed the driver and another passenger before fleeing with the businessman and a police officer from his security team.

Makama said police operatives, after days of extensive search operations, recovered two bodies on March 8, later confirmed to be the driver and a civilian passenger.

The publication said further investigations led to the discovery of Tanko Natip’s remains in a nearby bush.

Natip, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), had his body photographed and moved to Okeikpe Mortuary in Ukwa west.

Makama stated that the whereabouts of Lawson remain uncertain as tactical teams, aided by tracking technology, continue searching for him.

The source added that security has been strengthened in the area, with more tactical teams deployed to deter further attacks and monitor the movements of the suspected abductors.