Operatives from the Rivers State Police Command have taken down six suspected kidnappers during a raid on their hideout at Obelle community in Emohua local government area of the state.
Addressing the press in Port Harcourt on Friday, July 7, 2023, Commissioner of Police Nwonyi Emeka stated that the operatives also apprehended six suspected cultists and kidnappers who had been causing terror in the Emohua local government axis of the East-West Road.
Emeka explained that during the operation, operatives of the Anti-cultism and Tactical Units raided a gang hideout led by one Uchechukwu Daniel. Upon sighting the Police, the criminals initiated gunfire.
In response, the Police engaged in an exchange of gunfire resulting in the fatal wounding of six criminals, the arrest of six others, and the escape of some with bullet wounds in various directions.
The Commissioner highlighted that on June 30, 2023, Police operatives intercepted and rescued a kidnap victim at King Perekule Junction, GRA, Port Harcourt, who provided details on a previous kidnapping incident.
Acting on credible information on July 6, 2023, Police operatives trailed kidnappers to their hideout, successfully rescuing victims unhurt in Ozuoha community in IKwerre local government area of the state. Additionally, one Mr. Buchi David was apprehended.
Recovered exhibits included locally fabricated arms, cut to size guns, and six cartridges.
The Police Commissioner also highlighted a cult-related incident on Hospital Road, Bonny, where a pistol, a bag, and a techno phone were recovered after the cultists fled upon sighting the Police on June 30, 2023.
Furthermore, on June 20, 2023, the Special Area Division at Rumudomaya community in Obio-Akpor local government area, in collaboration with the local vigilance group, raided a criminal hideout leading to the arrest of numerous suspects and the recovery of various hard drugs.
Additionally, a combined team of Policemen and vigilante stormed a hideout at Slaughter, behind Rumuokoro Market, also in Obio-Akpor local government area, recovering three Police Mobile Force (PMF) uniforms, an Army cap, a locally fabricated pistol, live cartridges, amongst other items.
Furthermore, operatives from the Anti-cultism unit, Bori annex, apprehended one Baridara Baridam, aka ‘Ojukwu’, on July 5, 2023, at Yokuru community in Khana local government area. The suspect had been on the Police’s wanted list and is a member of a three-man gang terrorizing the Ogoni axis of the East-West road.
Exhibits recovered from the suspect included two AK47 riffles.
