A suspected kidnapper has been shot dead by operatives of the Rivers State Police Command during a gun duel in Ndoki waterfront in Port Harcourt.
It was also learnt that another suspect was arrested during the raid of the kidnappers’ hideout in the state, while the police rescued a victim.
Confirming the development to newsmen, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital on Tuesday, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said men of the command also recovered arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 and a revolver from the suspect in custody.
She said one of the suspects was shot dead during a gun battle with the police.
Iringe-Koko, stated that the operation, which killed one of the suspected kidnappers, was launched by operatives attached to the C4i unit, following a tip-off received by the police.
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The statement reads, “Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command attached to the C4i Intelligence Unit, while consolidating on the mandate of the Commissioner of Police, CP Okon Effiong, to de-escalate the trend of violent crimes targeted at well-meaning members and residents of the State, have raided the hideout of this a five-man kidnap syndicate who specialize in kidnapping high-profile residents of the state and demanding huge monies as ransom.
“The operatives, while acting on credible intelligence, on Saturday 11th February 2023 at about 0300hrs, swooped upon the syndicate at Ndoki Water Side, Port Harcourt.
“In the gun battle that ensued a key member of a 5-man gang terrorizing Rivers State was neutralised.
“One AK-47 rifle with 26 rounds of ammunition and one revolver pistol with 5 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the arrested suspect while one kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt. Efforts are being made to round up the fleeing members of the syndicate.”
The spokesperson continued that the Commissioner of Police urged all residents of Rivers State to remain calm, and vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the police via appropriate channels for prompt action.