Rivers: Police raid black spot, arrest 13 after assault on journalist
Police operatives in Rivers State have raided a black spot along the Olu-Obasanjo axis and adjoining areas in Port Harcourt, arresting 13 suspected criminals following an assault on a journalist, Mr Allwell Ene. The operation, according to the police, was triggered after Ene was attacked while carrying out an investigative activity in an area already […]
Police operatives in Rivers State have raided a black spot along the Olu-Obasanjo axis and adjoining areas in Port Harcourt, arresting 13 suspected criminals following an assault on a journalist, Mr Allwell Ene.
The operation, according to the police, was triggered after Ene was attacked while carrying out an investigative activity in an area already identified as a criminal hotspot.
Police spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said in a statement on Monday that operatives carried out coordinated raids across the axis, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects linked to various offences.
She said: “The Rivers State Police Command is aware of a publication circulating online regarding an alleged incident involving a journalist. Upon receipt of the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugenga Adewole Adepoju, promptly invited the journalist to provide a firsthand account while a comprehensive investigation commenced.”
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According to her, preliminary findings showed that Ene was attacked and physically assaulted by suspected hoodlums while recording activities in the area, which has been repeatedly marked as a black spot due to criminal activity and frequent police raids.
She added that the Divisional Police Officer of Olu-Obasanjo Division quickly deployed officers to rescue the journalist and restore order.
Following the incident, she said, the Command launched a joint operation across the area, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects.
The suspects are believed to be involved in offences including phone snatching and harassment of residents.
Kaborlo said investigations were ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
She also quoted the Commissioner of Police as advising journalists and private investigators against operating alone in high-risk areas, urging them instead to collaborate with security agencies.
“The Commissioner of Police advises journalists and private investigators to refrain from undertaking investigative activities alone, particularly in high-risk or crime-prone areas.
“He strongly encourages collaboration with the Police and urges members of the public to always provide credible information to security agencies to enhance public safety and maintain law and order across Rivers State.”
The Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining operations aimed at flushing out criminal elements in Rivers State.