Two dead as Rivers Police engage kidnappers in gun duel

At least two suspected kidnappers have been killed by operatives of the Rivers State Police command following a gun battle with the assailants.

News gathered that the incident occurred on Friday when the police officers invaded the kidnappers’ den at Oyigbo/Igbo-Etche Forest.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Grace Inringe-Koko, said the operation was sequel to an actionable intelligence made available to the command.

She said the deceased suspects were badly injured during the gun battle and were confirmed dead at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

According to the PPRO, the operatives recovered one AK47 and 18 Live Ammunition during the operation that lasted for more than one hour.

The statement reads, “The Operatives were acting on actionable intelligence gathered on the kidnapping gang. Upon sighting the Police team the hoodlums opened fire on them.

“During the gun duel that lasted about an hour, the gang leader, who was later identified as Aka Blacky, was fatally wounded.

“Another suspect identified as Peter Nwafor ‘m’ was shot while trying to escape.

“The two suspects were taken to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital where they were confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.

“Their corpses have been deposited at the UPTH Mortuary.

“The gang was linked to the kidnap of a woman and her daughter on 18th March 2023 along Garrison, Port Harcourt. It would be recalled that two members of the gang had earlier been arrested. Exhibits recovered at the scene include 1 AK47 Rifle and 18 Live Ammunition”.