Police engage 5-man kidnap gang in gun battle, kill one

The Police Command in Rivers State has disclosed the killing of a kidnapper during exchange of gunfire with a 5-man kidnap gang in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement indicated that Operatives of the C4i Intelligence Unit of the Rivers State Police Command neutralized a member of a five-man kidnap gang operating in Port Harcourt, after trailing the gang and engaging the members in exchange of gunfire at the Ndoki Water Side area in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

The PPRO narrated: “Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command attached to the C4i Intelligence Unit, have raided the hideout of a five-man kidnap syndicate who specializes in kidnapping high-profile residents of the state and demanding huge sums of money as ransom.

“The operatives, while acting on credible intelligence, on Saturday 11th February 2023 at about 03:00hrs, swooped upon the syndicate at Ndoki Water Side, Port Harcourt. In the gun battle that ensued, a key member of a five-man gang terrorizing Rivers State was neutralized.

“One AK-47 rifle with 26 rounds of ammunition and one revolver pistol with five rounds of ammunition were recovered from an arrested suspect while one kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt. Efforts are being made to round up the fleeing members of the syndicate.”

The PPRO added that the Commissioner of Police in the state urged residents of Rivers State to remain calm, and vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the police.