Police foil kidnapping attempt, nab suspect in Rivers

Police operatives in Rivers State have foiled a kidnapping attempt in Port Harcourt, arresting a suspected gang member and recovering two AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition. The police spokesperson in the state, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, describing the feat as a major breakthrough in the fight […]

Police operatives in Rivers State have foiled a kidnapping attempt in Port Harcourt, arresting a suspected gang member and recovering two AK-47 rifles, magazines and ammunition.

The police spokesperson in the state, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, describing the feat as a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping.

According to her, the operation followed a distress call received in the early hours of March 20 from a 35-year-old resident, who reported that a group of armed men invaded his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area (GRA).

She said the attackers attempted to abduct the victim and opened fire during the incident.

Despite the intensity of the attack, the victim managed to escape — a development security officials described as both fortunate and critical in triggering a swift police response.

“Investigations took a decisive turn after a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the suspects was recovered at the scene. Acting on this lead, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit, based in Aluu, deployed technical intelligence to track the device, leading to the arrest of one Joseph Abibo, identified as a member of the gang.

“During interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided actionable intelligence that led operatives to the gang’s hideout. However, on arrival, the police team came under heavy gunfire from other members of the gang.

“The operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel and overpowered them. In the process, several members of the gang fled the scene, with police sources confirming that about six suspects escaped 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 live ammunition believed to have been used in their operations,” she said.