Rivers State Police kill 4 kidnappers and one armed robber, rescues kidnapped victim

The Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of two notorious armed robbers who confessed to have been involved in series of armed robberies and kidnappings in Port Harcourt and environs. According to the press statement released on Sunday, December 13, by Rivers Police Public Relations Officer Ahmad Muhammad, the arrested suspects confessed to have been involved in the recent murder of CSP Cliff Igwebe, a divisional police officer.

"The Rivers State Police Command announces the arrest of two notorious armed robbers who confessed to have been involved in series of armed robberies and kidnappings in Port Harcourt and environs including the recent gruesome murder of late CSP. Cliff Igwegbe, who until his death fortnight ago was the divisional police officer of Rumuokoro Division.

2. The suspects arrested are Prince Essien ‘m; 30 years and Hosanna Nse ‘m’ 23 years while Clever Idaminabor ‘m’ 27 years who is believed to be leader of the gang was fatally wounded in the shootout that ensued when policemen raided their hideout at Location road, Ada George, Port Harcourt. Items recovered from the suspects includes two AK 47 rifles, one assault rifle, 119 rounds of live ammunition and seven magazines.

3. It would be recalled late CSP. Cliff Igwegbe was murdered while two other policemen sustained minor injuries when his killers ambushed and opened fire them when they responded to a distress call.

4. Similarly, following a distress call received on 12/12/2015 at about 4:00 am from a patriotic Nigerian that kidnappers broke into his house of one Ken Livinus at Rukpokwu and whisked him away in his Toyota Lexus jeep, teams of policemen quickly responded and pursued the fleeing kidnappers who were heading towards Aluu/Airport road and engaged them. The confrontation led to the safe rescue of the victim while four unidentified kidnappers were fatally wounded. The victim’s vehicle, a Golf Volkswagen car belonging to the kidnappers, three locally made pistols and twelve cartridges were recovered after the rescue operation.

5. The Command appeals to the good people of Rivers State to remain hopeful, confident and trusting in the ability of the Command as we are poised to consolidate the gains of the current onslaught on criminals and their nefarious activities, please.