The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a notorious kidnapping ring following a violent gun battle in Etche Local Government Area, resulting in the fatal wounding of two suspects and the recovery of millions of naira in ransom.
The breakthrough follows an intensive investigation into the January 19 abduction of a female victim and three others at Elele Waterside. According to a statement released Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) intercepted the suspects along the Ozuzu/Apara Link Road on the night of January 22.
The suspects were identified as 23-year-old Abdullahi Ibrahim from Nasarawa State and 27-year-old Mohammed Hashim from Bauchi State. During their arrest, officers recovered ₦2,383,000 in cash, which was identified as part of the ransom paid by victims' families.
Under interrogation, the duo reportedly confessed to several high-profile crimes, including the January 8 abduction of two women in Akpoku Community. They further admitted to the killing of a local youth on January 13, who was murdered while attempting to deliver a ₦3.8 million ransom to the gang.
The investigation took a violent turn when the suspects led police to their hideout. "Operatives were met with a strong resistance from other members of the gang and a fierce gun battle ensued," Iringe-Koko stated. During the exchange, Ibrahim and Hashim sustained fatal injuries, while several of their accomplices escaped into the bush with gunshot wounds.
In addition to the recovered ransom, police seized one pump-action gun from the scene.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the bravery of the officers and reaffirmed his commitment to making Rivers State "hostile for criminal elements." He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any individuals seeking medical treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds.
Efforts are currently underway to track down the remaining gang members who fled with operational weapons.
