The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives shot a suspected kidnapper dead, while another was arrested during a raid of criminal hideouts in Ndoki waterfront in Port Harcourt.
The police also said arms and ammunition, including an AK-47 and a revolver, were recovered from the arrested suspect.
Spokesperson of the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday. She said one of the suspects was shot dead during a gun battle with the police.
Iringe-Koko, a police superintendent, said operatives attached to the C4i unit launched the operation following a tip-off.
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.
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 Commissioner of Police urges 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.”
