The Rivers State Police Command has fatally shot six alleged cultists during a raid on their secret hideout at Obelle community in Emohua local government area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Emeka, who addressed journalists in Port Harcourt on Friday, announced that six alleged cultists and kidnappers, who have been terrorizing the Emohua local government axis of the East-West Road, were also apprehended during the raid.
Emeka stated that authorities from the Anti-cultism and Tactical Units raided the hideout of a gang, led by one Uchechukwu Daniel and upon discovering the presence of the Police, the criminals opened fire.
He further explained that the Police retaliated and after a gunfight, six of the criminals were fatally wounded, six were arrested, while others managed to escape in various directions with gunshot wounds.
The Police Commissioner narrated that on June 30, 2023, Police officers on patrol along King Perekule Junction, GRA, Port Harcourt, intercepted and rescued a kidnap victim, who provided details on how one of their associates was kidnapped and taken away.
Emeka said on July 6, 2023, acting on credible information, Police operatives traced the kidnappers to their hideout, and successfully rescued the victims unharmed at Ozuoha community in IKwerre local government area of the state. Additionally, one individual named Mr. Buchi David was apprehended.
He listed the items recovered as one locally made firearm, sawed-off shotguns, and six rounds of ammunition.
The Police Commissioner disclosed that on Friday June 30, 2023, a cult-related activity was taking place at Hospital Road, Bonny, but the cultists fled upon sight of the Police. However, one pistol, a bag, and a techno phone were seized as evidence.
Emeka revealed that on June 20, 2023, the Special Area Division at Rumudomaya community in Obio-Akpor local government area and the local vigilance group conducted a raid on a criminal hideout in the community.
He stated that individuals, both male and female, ranging from 15 to 28 years old, were arrested as suspects, and various illicit drugs were confiscated from them.
Emeka further stated that at Slaughter, behind Rumuokoro Market, also in Obio-Akpor local government area, three Police Mobile Force (PMF) uniforms, an Army cap, a locally made pistol, and live ammunition were discovered when a joint team of Policemen and vigilantes raided the hideout.
The Police CP also unveiled that operatives from the Anti-cultism unit, Bori annex on July 5, 2023, while on patrol at Yokuru community in Khana local government area, detained one Baridara Baridam, aka ‘Ojukwu’, who had been on the Police’s wanted list.
He said the suspect is a member of a three-man gang, including an individual known as Mali and Lekia, who have been causing havoc in the Ogoni area along the East-West road.
Emeka listed the items recovered from the suspect as two AK47 rifles.