Police arrest suspected kidnappers in Rivers
The police command in Rivers has arrested three suspects in connection with the kidnapping of one Humphrey Wagbara.
Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the command, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that Mr Wagbara was rescued during a coordinated operation at the kidnappers’ den.
She said officers were deployed for the mission following a distress call about the activities of the syndicate.
“Upon receipt of the distress call, officers conducted a coordinated operation on September 19, resulting in the arrest of three suspects,” she said.
According to her, the suspects were apprehended at separate locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre LGA.
Ms Iringe-Koko said the suspects confessed to the abduction of Mr Wagbara and admitted to several other kidnappings across the state.
“They confessed to the kidnap of Mr Onwuli Jude and Mr Nwabueze Nchekwube along School Road, Igwuruta-Atali. They told detectives that they collected N6 million ransom from Nchekwube’s family before killing him,” she disclosed
The police spokesperson also linked the syndicate to the kidnapping of Mercy Chinyere on September 12 at Igwuruta-Atali.
She alleged that the gang collected N3.5 million ransom before releasing Ms Chinyere.
Items recovered from the suspects include a G-3 rifle with breech number 10398, a magazine, and an Itel Android phone allegedly belonging to Mr Wagbara.
Other exhibits recovered were three short daggers, a jackknife, and a short stainless knife.
According to Ms Iringe-Koko, the suspects and exhibits are in custody while efforts continue to arrest fleeing gang members and recover more weapons.
She added that the commissioner of police in Rivers, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the gallantry of officers in the rescue operation.
According to her, the CP said that the outcome of the operation underscored the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in the state.
Ms Iringe-Koko, however, urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station for prompt action.
(NAN)
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