The police in Rivers State have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered two AK-47 rifles in Port Harcourt.
Grace-Iringe-Koko, the police spokesperson in Rivers, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday that the arrest followed a foiled kidnap attempt on one Fadi Nasser.
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Ms Iringe-Koko, a chief superintendent of police, said that the victim reported that armed men invaded his residence along Woji Road in the Government Reserved Area in the early hours of 20 March.
“The attackers attempted to abduct the victim and opened fire, but he escaped,” she said.
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She said that the victim’s escape enabled a swift police response, which led to the recovery of a mobile phone at the scene.
“The mobile phone provided a significant lead in our investigations.
“Our operatives used technical intelligence to track the device and arrested one Joseph Abibo, a suspected gang member,” she said.
She added that the suspect subsequently provided information that led the police to the gang’s hideout.
“On arrival at the hideout, operatives came under heavy gunfire from other gang members.
“Police operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel and overpowered them, resulting in six suspects fleeing the scene into a nearby river with gunshot wounds.
“A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 108 rounds of ammunition,” she said.
Ms Iringe-Koko said the police have launched a manhunt to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons.
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She said that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle kidnapping syndicates in the state.
She urged residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the fleeing suspects.
“The command remains committed to protecting lives and property,” she added.
Kidnap for ransom has become one of the top crimes in many Nigerian cities, with just anyone, including students and clerics, as targets.
(NAN)
