Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, have killed two suspected kidnappers during a raid in their hideout located in a forest between Oyigbo local government area and Igbo-Etche community in Etched local government area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement made available to newsmen in Port Harcourt yesterday, said the operatives also one AK-47 rifle and 18 live ammunition during the raid.
The statement said the raid was based on credible intelligence gathered in the gang, which was linked to the kidnap of a woman and her daughter on March 18, 2023 along Garrison axis of Port Harcourt.
It reads in part: “C4i Intelligence Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command in the early hours of Friday 19th May, 2023, raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Oyigbo/Igbo-Etche Forest.
“The Operatives were acting on actionable intelligence gathered on the kidnapping gang. Upon sighting the Police team the hoodlums opened fire on them.
“During the gun duel that lasted for about an hour, the gang leader, who was later identified as Aka Blacky, was fatally wounded. Another suspect identified as Peter Nwafor ‘m’ was shot while trying to escape.
“The two suspects were taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital where they were confirmed dead by doctor on duty. Their corpse have been deposited at the UPTH Mortuary.
“The gang was linked to the kidnap of a woman and her daughter on 18th March, 2023 along Garrison, Port Harcourt. It would be recalled that two members of the gang had earlier been arrested.
“Exhibit recovered at the scene include 1 AK47 Rifle and 18 Live Ammunition.
“Meanwhile, residents of the state are advised to remain supportive, law-abiding, and vigilant and promptly report acts of crime and criminality to the nearest police station or by calling the command’s emergency hotlines on 08032003514 and 08098880134.”
