The Rivers State Police Command has said its operatives successfully foiled a kidnap attempt in the GRA axis of Port Harcourt, leading to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and other ammunition.

The police added that members of the kidnapping gang opened fire on operatives who stormed their hideout, and some of the suspects fled with gunshot injuries following the superior firepower of the officers.

According to the command, the arrest followed a distress call received on March 20, from a resident identified as Fadi Nasser, who reported that armed men had invaded his residence in the metropolis.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police, described the arrest and recovery of weapons as a breakthrough in the fight against crime and criminality in the state.

She added that the police have intensified efforts to ensure the fleeing suspects are apprehended and prosecuted.

The statement reads partly, “Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have recorded a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, arresting a suspected gang member and recovering two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition after foiling an abduction attempt in Port Harcourt.

“The operation followed a distress call received in the early hours of March 20 from a 35-year-old resident, Fadi Nasser, who reported that a group of armed men invaded his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area of the state capital.

“The attackers attempted to abduct the victim and opened fire during the incident. Despite the intensity of the attack, the victim managed to escape, a development described by security officials as both fortunate and critical in triggering a swift police response.

“Investigations took a decisive turn after a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the suspects was recovered at the scene. Acting on this lead, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics unit, based in Aluu, deployed technical intelligence to track the device, leading to the arrest of one Joseph Abibo, identified as a member of the gang.”

During interrogation, Iringe-Koko noted that the suspect reportedly provided actionable intelligence that led operatives to the gang’s hideout.

“However, on arrival at the location, the police team came under heavy gunfire from other members of the criminal group.

“The operatives engaged the suspects in a gun duel and successfully overpowered them. In the process, several members of the gang fled the scene, with police sources confirming that about six suspects escaped into a nearby river with gunshot wounds.

“A thorough search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four magazines, and 108 rounds of live ammunition, believed to have been used by the gang in carrying out their criminal operations,” the state police spokesperson added.

She stated that the operation is part of intensified efforts by the command to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and curb violent crimes in Rivers State.

She added, :A coordinated manhunt is currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons.”

The statement urged residents to remain vigilant and support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information to security agencies for prompt action.