Police authorities in Rivers has neutralized six suspected kidnappers during exchange of gun fire in Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
Mr Emeka Nwonyi, Rivers Commissioner of Police who confirmed the incident during press briefing on Friday said officers of the anti-cultism and other tactical units killed the suspects in a gun duel at Obelle town.
He also revealed that the criminal ring was led by one Uchechukwu Daniel.
According to Nwonyi, some of the suspects escaped with bullet wounds.
He said: “Sequel to the criminal activities along the East-West Road axis in Emohua, operatives attached to the anti-cultism unit in conjunction with a tactical team invaded a hideout of one Uchechukwu Daniel Okana, aka Horn man at Obele community in Emohua.
“On sighting the operatives they opened fire on them. The rapid response from the anti-cultism unit in collaboration with other tactical teams neutralized and dislodged them as they scampered for safety. Six were neutralised while six were arrested. The six arrested suspects are helping the detectives in further investigation.”
Nwonyi said that operatives of the command on patrol along King Perekule junction GRA, Port Harcourt, intercepted and rescued one kidnap victim.
“The victim narrated that one of their friends was kidnapped and taken away by the hoodlums, who were operating in a carton colour Lexus RX 350 jeep after shooting at their vehicle tyre. Pieces of 7.2 empty shell and a techno phone belonging to the victim was also recovered.”
Nwonyi said some kidnappers were trailed to their hideout at Ozuoha in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state, where a victim was rescued unhurt while one of the suspects Mr. Buchi David was arrested.