The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Rivers said it recovered a cache of ammunition after raiding a kidnappers’ hideout in Okuru-Ama Waterside in Port Harcourt.

Civil Defence commandant in Rivers, Micheal Ogar, said 53 assorted ammunition were recorded.

He said the kidnappers’ camp was raided following intelligence reports of their activities in an uncompleted building in Okuru-Ama Waterside, used by the kidnappers to hold their victims for ransom.

“So, after carrying out intelligence on a kidnap syndicate’s hideout, our Anti-Vandal Squad swung into action and engaged the suspects in gunfire that lasted about 25 minutes.

“The kidnappers, after enduring our superior firing power, escaped through the adjoining waterways.

“However, our operatives recovered 43 Tavor K2 ammunition, six AK 47 rifle magazines, three Tavor gun magazines and one Breech block,” he said.

Mr Ogar said other items recovered were charms, animal horns, a watch and an empty bag.

“Our men will continue to patrol the area as we enjoin the public to provide the command with credible information that will lead to the arrest of the fleeing abductors,” he added.

Mr Ogar also said 25 suspects were accused of engaging in various crimes in Rivers.

He said 19 suspects were arrested for illegal dealings in petroleum products, conspiracy, fraud, illegal possession of firearms and attempted vandalism of a pipeline belonging to the  Nigeria Agip Oil Company.

According to him, the arrests were made during a joint operation by the NSCDC, the military, the police and the SSS.

“The 19 suspects were apprehended along with a Toyota Sequoia Jeep SR 5 with registration number: Abuja RSH 645 KZ conveying illegally refined diesel.

“Others include 100 litres of suspected adulterated diesel concealed inside a Honda Accord with Kaduna plate number: AH 978 MKK and a Toyota Camry with registration number: Lagos ET 441 LSR.

“Also impounded were: a Toyota Sequoia V8 SUV; one hard saw blade, one pump action rifle and two cartridges,” he said.

Mr Ogar said the command’s anti-vandal marine team, during a routine patrol of the creeks, seized a wooden boat laden with an unspecified quantity of diesel – with the suspects escaping arrest.

 (NAN)