The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered two AK-47 rifles following a foiled abduction attempt in Port Harcourt.
The Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this to journalists on Wednesday, stating that the operation was triggered by a reported attack on a resident, identified as Fadi Nasser, along Woji Road in the Government Reserved Area (GRA).
According to her, the incident occurred in the early hours of March 20 when armed men reportedly stormed the victim’s residence in an attempt to abduct him.
“The attackers attempted to abduct the victim and opened fire, but he escaped,” Iringe-Koko said, noting that the victim’s ability to flee the scene played a crucial role in enabling a swift police response.
She explained that during preliminary investigations, police operatives recovered a mobile phone at the scene, which later became a key piece of evidence in tracking down the suspects.
“The mobile phone provided a significant lead in our investigations. Our operatives used technical intelligence to track the device and arrested one Joseph Abibo, a suspected gang member,” she said.
The police spokesperson further revealed that the suspect, upon interrogation, provided useful information that led security operatives to the gang’s hideout.
She said that upon arrival at the location, police operatives encountered resistance from other members of the gang, who reportedly opened fire in an attempt to evade arrest.
“On arrival at the hideout, operatives came under heavy gunfire from other gang members. Police operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel and overpowered them, resulting in six suspects fleeing the scene into a nearby river with gunshot wounds,” she stated.
Following the confrontation, a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 108 rounds of live ammunition, further confirming the group’s involvement in armed criminal activities.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that efforts are ongoing to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that a manhunt has been launched to recover additional weapons and dismantle the syndicate completely.
She noted that the operation forms part of the command’s broader strategy to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes within the state, assuring residents of the police’s continued commitment to ensuring safety and security.
The spokesperson also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible information that could aid ongoing investigations and lead to the arrest of the remaining suspects.
“The command remains committed to protecting lives and property,” she added.
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