By james art
The Rivers State Police Command, in its fight against crime, has arrested four known suspects involved in kidnapping and armed robbery.
The Commissioner of Police, Mustafa Bala, addressed the press on Wednesday, revealing the command’s recent achievements.
He said: “We have successfully apprehended four suspects, bringing relief to residents and commuters who have been terrorized by their activities.
According to the police commissioner, three suspects, Blessing Akpelu (20), Precious Ibi (30) and Wisdom Otto Amadi (28), all from Egbeda in Emohua LGA, were arrested for their involvement in a series of highway robberies and kidnappings along the Port Expressway Harcourt-Owerri.
The gang, known for staging illegal roadblocks, has been under police surveillance following an increase in kidnappings, including the abduction of a National Youth Corps (NYSC) member and two others.
He said the suspects were arrested on October 17 and 19, 2024, after police traced their whereabouts through intelligence gathering.
“They have confessed to the abduction and further investigations are underway to nab the remaining accomplices and recover their operational weapons,” the state police chief added.
In a separate development, CP Mustapha said operatives of the command carried out two coordinated raids on criminal hideouts at Elechi Beach and Nanka coastal areas in Port Harcourt City Council of the state.
He noted that the operations led to the arrest of Baridam Berebom, a known armed robber, and the recovery of a vehicle, arms and ammunition.
In the first operation on October 18, 2024, police seized a 35-round English revolver with 8.1mm live cartridges and a two-round Excam Hialeah pistol with 9mm live cartridges.
While in the second operation, a blue Toyota Corolla stolen at gunpoint was recovered and Berebom was arrested with an SMG used to rob a NYSC corps member.
He further stated that the recovered vehicle, a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number BDG 44 HE, belonging to one Iviuboosun Usanavi Okuru of No. 24 Ada Williams, was robbed at gunpoint along the Education bus stop.
He said: “Police also recovered the victim’s iPhone 12 and the operative weapon used in the robbery.”
Mustapha assured the public of his vigilance to ensure safety along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway and urged citizens to report suspicious activities.
He, however, stressed the importance of public cooperation, saying: “Together we can make Rivers State a safer place for all.”
Adding that all suspects will be charged in court while ensuring due process and justice.
