The Rivers State Police Command have disrupted a suspected kidnapping operation in Port Harcourt, nabs one suspect and recover arms after a raid on a criminal hideout.
The statement shared on Tuesday, indicated that, six other gang members allegedly escaped with gunshot injuries.
According to the Force Spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, upon receiving a distress alert in the early hours of 20 March from a resident in the Government Reserved Area (GRA), who reported that armed men had stormed his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in an attempt to abduct him.
Iringe-Koko said the attackers fired multiple shots during the incident, but the victim managed to escape unharmed, prompting an immediate security response.
Investigators later recovered a mobile phone believed to have been left behind by one of the suspects at the scene. The device became a crucial lead, enabling operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit in Aluu to deploy intelligence tools that led to the arrest of a suspect identified as Joseph Abibo.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided information that guided officers to the gang’s hideout. However, upon approaching the location, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from other members of the group.
A gun battle ensued, during which the police team overpowered the suspects. In the aftermath, about six members of the gang fled the area, escaping through a nearby river despite sustaining gunshot wounds, according to security officials.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 108 rounds of live ammunition, believed to have been used in previous criminal operations.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, with a coordinated manhunt already underway. They also called on residents to remain vigilant and assist security agencies with credible information that could aid the investigation.
The Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes, assuring the public that updates will be provided as the operation progresses.
