Operatives of the Nigerian Police, Rivers State Command, have arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang, recovering firearms, ammunition, a vehicle, and other exhibits following an intelligence-led operation into the abduction of a woman identified as Loveth in the Eleme Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, Victor Ini, 35, an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, was arrested after police operatives from the Eleme Division reportedly engaged suspected members of the gang in a gun battle.
The Rivers Police Command said the breakthrough followed investigations into the kidnapping of Loveth, who was allegedly abducted by armed men while sitting in front of her shop on September 2.
The gunmen were said to have fired shots into the air before forcefully taking the victim away in a vehicle.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said operatives immediately commenced intelligence-led operations to track down the perpetrators.
The statement said, “In the course of the operation, the police operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The operatives successfully arrested one member of the gang, one Victor Ini, male, aged 35 years, a native of Akwa Ibom State.”
Items recovered from the suspect were a silver-colored mini Keke bus with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja; two locally made pistols; one live ammunition; one mobile phone; two identity cards; two black gowns; and a vehicle number plate with registration number KRK 528 HG.
The command said it had intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected kidnapping gang.
Adepoju reassured residents that the police remained determined to protect lives and property and bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
He warned criminals operating in the state that there would be no hiding place for them.
The statement quoted the Commissioner of Police as reiterating that the command would “continue to deploy all lawful and available resources to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes.”
The police also urged residents to heighten their vigilance and take additional security precautions as the ember period approaches, traditionally associated with an increase in criminal activities.
Adepoju encouraged members of the public to continue providing the police with credible and timely information to support the fight against crime.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
