The Rivers State Police Command on Monday, August 28, neutralised a suspected kidnap kingpin in Choba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
According to the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Nwonyi Emeka, a victim (name withheld) was kidnapped on Friday, August 5, around the Choba axis, and a ransom of two million naira was initially paid by his family before his release on Monday, August 28.
The kidnappers, after releasing the victim on that same day, requested an additional three million naira.
Operatives of the C4i intelligence unit, acting on credible intelligence around the Choba Uniport axis, engaged the kidnappers and, in the shootout that ensued, wounded one of them while another, Promise Ebi, 38, was arrested.
According to the Commissioner of Police, the kidnapper who sustained injuries was rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Choba, where he died.
In another development, CP Emeka also disclosed that the command arrested a suspected notorious cultist and kidnapper, Godspower Saliti, from Rumuodogo community in Emohua LGA on Tuesday, August 29.
The suspect from Rumuodogo is accused of killing a police inspector in his community.
During a briefing for journalists at the state’s police headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, suspects linked to different crimes in parts of the state were paraded.
The CP said operatives of the command arrested a suspect, identified as Uche Chinedu, who specialised in robbing motorists around the trailer park axis in Eleme LGA.
Some criminals arrested in Hausa Quarters and other areas within Elelenwo, in Obio-Akpor LGA, were also paraded.
CP Emeka assured that the police have commenced a manhunt for other suspects who were not apprehended by the police.
He added: “I want to sincerely appeal to the residents of Rivers State to actively support our police operatives as they continue to work tirelessly to combat all forms of crime and criminality within the state. Your cooperation and information are invaluable in our quest to maintain the peace and security of this great state.”
According to him, arms, ammunition, and charms were recovered from the arrested suspects.