Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 108 rounds of ammunition following the foiling of an abduction attempt in Port Harcourt.
The police said the operation was part of ongoing security efforts under the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
According to the command, the incident began in the early hours of March 20 after a 35-year-old resident, Fadi Nasser, raised an alarm that armed men had invaded his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Port Harcourt.
Sources said the assailants attempted to abduct the victim and opened fire during the attack. The victim, however, escaped unharmed, prompting a swift response from security operatives.
Police investigations gained momentum after a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the suspects was recovered at the scene. Acting on the lead, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit in Aluu deployed intelligence tools to trace the device, leading to the arrest of one Joseph Abibo, identified as a member of the gang.
During interrogation, Abibo reportedly provided information that led operatives to the gang’s hideout. However, the police team came under heavy gunfire on arrival.
A gun battle ensued, during which the operatives overpowered the suspects. Police sources disclosed that about six members of the gang escaped with gunshot wounds, fleeing through a nearby river.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of the rifles, magazines, and 108 rounds of live ammunition suspected to have been used in criminal operations.
The police said a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover more weapons.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide timely information to security agencies, reiterating its commitment to protecting lives and property.
