Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping syndicate and recovered weapons following a failed abduction attempt in Port Harcourt.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command for the Commissioner of Police, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the incident occurred in the early hours of March 20 after a 35-year-old resident, Fadi Nasser, raised an alarm over an attack on his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area (GRA).
According to the officer, armed men stormed the residence with the intention of abducting the victim and fired gunshots during the operation.
The victim, however, managed to escape unharmed, prompting a swift response from security operatives.
Investigators later recovered a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the suspects at the scene.
Using technical intelligence, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit tracked the device, leading to the arrest of a suspect identified as Joseph Abibo.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided useful information that led officers to the gang’s hideout.
On arrival, the police team came under heavy gunfire from other members of the group.
A gun battle ensued, forcing the suspects to retreat. Police sources disclosed that about six members of the gang escaped with gunshot injuries into a nearby river.
A search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 108 rounds of live ammunition.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, adding that the operation is part of renewed efforts to dismantle kidnapping networks and tackle violent crimes in the state.
Residents have been encouraged to remain alert and provide useful information to security agencies.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring that updates will be provided as investigations progress.
