The Rivers State Police Command said it has arrested eight suspected armed robbers and cultists in Port Harcourt, the state capital.
A statement by the acting spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Wednesday said four of the suspected robbers were arrested after operatives responded to a distress call at the Abonnema Wharf.
She said one MKIV Service pistol, One Makarov pistol, two double-barrelled locally-made pistols, three single-barrelled locally-made pistols, one shotgun and an automatic pump-action gun among others were recovered during the operation.
The statement reads, “Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, while responding to a distress call on April 4, 2022, at the Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt, where some miscreants were attacking officials of the Petroleum Task Force, arrested four suspects.
“The suspects are Lucky Yaatee, 22; Bala Ibrahim, 20; Izuchukwu Eze, 39; and Okro Agu, 51.
“In a bid to chase others who took to their heels, the police stormed some shanties where the following arms and ammunition were recovered: one MKIV Service 80 pistol with breach number FC 01010e.
“One Makarov pistol with a defaced breach number; two double-barrelled locally-made pistols; three single-barrelled locally-made pistols; one shotgun and an automatic pump-action gun with breach number 00063.
“Others are three Barretta pistols with defaced breach numbers; 27 rounds of 12 by 12 by 5mm live cartridges; 69 rounds of 60 by 84 GMP live ammunition; three revolver pistol’s magazines and one SMG magazine.”
Iringe-Koko said the state Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka, had ordered a thorough investigation into the case with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects.
In another development, the police spokesperson said the command also arrested a four-man car snatching syndicate at the Agip Roundabout, Port Harcourt.
According to her, “They were in a light green Toyota Corolla with No. ZBL 12 PT, property of Mr Ajuluchukwu Nebuolisa, reportedly snatched at gunpoint on March 1, 2022, in Anambra State.
“The four suspects, Chukwudi Charis, 38; Emmanuel Thompson, 32; Confidence Eze, 37; and Ubong James, 39, are already helping the police with their investigation. They will be transferred to Anambra State where the offence was committed.”
