By Tina Amanda
In a significant breakthrough, the Rivers State Police Command has arrested three notorious kidnap suspects: Blessing Akpelu (alias NTA), 20; Precious Ebee, 30; and Wisdom Oto Amadi, 28. These individuals, all from Egbeda in Emohua Local Government Area (LGA), have been terrorizing motorists along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway through a series of robberies and kidnappings.
Following an alarming rise in kidnappings, including the abduction of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and two others along the Elele/Omerelu axis, the suspects were placed under close surveillance.
Commissioner of Police Rivers State, CP Mustapha Bala, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the Command achievement said the kidnappers were notorious for setting up illegal roadblocks to ambush unsuspecting travelers, robbing them at gunpoint, and taking hostages for ransom.
“On 17th October 2024, the first two suspects, Blessing and Precious, were arrested by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Rivers State Police Command. The gang leader, Wisdom Amadi, was arrested two days later in Egbeda. All suspects have confessed to multiple kidnappings, and intelligence-led investigations are underway to arrest their remaining accomplices and recover their weapons.
“The Command remains vigilant in ensuring the safety of all road users along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway and urges citizens to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
CP Bala said further that there was a raid on criminal hideouts at Elechi Beach and Nanka Waterfront which led to the arrest of a notorious armed robber.
“In another significant operation, the Command conducted two successful raids on criminal hideouts in the Elechi Beach and Nanka waterfront areas of Diobu, Port Harcourt, targeting gangs involved in armed robbery and other illegal activities.
“On 18th October 2024, operatives of the C4i Strike Force (Octopus) launched a raid at Elechi Beach, recovering an English revolver pistol, 35 rounds of 8.1mm live ammunition, and an Excam Hialeah pistol with two rounds of 9mm ammunition. While several suspects fled into a nearby river, their operations were disrupted.
“Shortly after, a second raid at Nanka waterfront resulted in the recovery of a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number BDG 44 HE, which had been stolen at gunpoint from its owner, Iviuboosun Usanavi Okuru, along Education Bus-Stop.
“The operation also led to the arrest of Baridam Berebom, an armed robber from Mogho in Gokana LGA, found with an SMG rifle. Berebom and his gang had earlier robbed a female NYSC corps member of her iPhone 12. The police responded to the robbery, pursued the criminals, and recovered the stolen phone and the operational weapon.
“The Police Command is pursuing all leads to capture Berebom’s accomplices and other criminals operating in the area. The recovery of firearms and stolen property marks a decisive step in curbing illegal arms possession and ensuring that armed robbers are brought to justice.”
The Commissioner of Police reiterates the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.
“We call on members of the public to continue cooperating with the police by providing timely and credible information. Together, we can make Rivers State safer for everyone.
“All suspects will be charged to court, and we will ensure that due process is followed in delivering justice.”
