Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued a businessman, Madabuchi Julius, who was kidnapped by gunmen at a filling station in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who disclosed this in a statement said police operatives also arrested a member of a criminal syndicate terrorising Oyigbo and environs communities in recent times.
“On the 17th of November, 2024, at about 2023hrs. Operatives of the Command received a distress call from the Command’s Control Room indicating that a gang of armed men numbering about four (4) operating in a Black colour Toyota Corolla car shot sporadically and kidnapped one Madabuchi Julius ‘m’ at Sabbath Filling Station, Oyigbo,” the statement read.
“Operatives were swiftly mobilized to the scene and the hoodlums on sighting the Police Operatives drove off, but they were given a hot chase by the operatives and subsequently intercepted along Egbu Street, Oyigbo and and a gun duel ensued between the Police Operatives and the hoodlums.
“The hoodlums could not withstand the Police superior fire power and eventually abandoned the victim and their operational vehicle with registration number RIVERS PHC 938 AH and escaped. The victim was rescued unhurt and the vehicle recovered.
“Investigation is ongoing while concerted efforts are intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons.”
In a related development, on the 18th of November, 2024 at about 2248hrs, Operatives of the Command acted on a credible piece of information, coordinated a covert operation at St Lorinta Street, Oyigbo, arrested one Gabriel Morris, aged 25yrs, ‘m’ of Mercy Ground, Kom-Kom, Oyigbo LGA of Rivers State.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed being a member of a syndicate that has been terrorizing Oyigbo and its environs in recent times.
Items recovered from the suspect include one locally made pistol, quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian Hemp.
“Investigation is ongoing, while concerted efforts are intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate,” the PPRO added.
“This successful operation further demonstrates the effectiveness of the Rivers State Police Command in combating kidnapping and all other forms of crime in the State.”
