Rivers NSCDC in gun duel with kidnappers, recovers weapons

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Rivers State Command have engaged a kidnap syndicate in a gun duel at Okuru – Ama waterside in Port Harcourt.

The State Commandant, Michael Ogar, confirmed the development in a statement signed on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Olufemi Ayodele.

Ogar said the gun battle with the suspected kidnappers lasted for over 25 minutes but that the hoodlums fled following the firepower of his men.

He, however, said the operatives searched their hideout and recovered 43 ammunition and some arms.

He said: “Following sustained intelligence on the activities of a kidnap syndicate hideout discovered at an uncompleted building located in Okuru-Ama waterside, our men swung into action and engaged the suspects in a gun battle for 25 minutes. They, however, escaped through the waterways when they discovered our men almost overpowered them.

“However, we were able to recover the following items at the scene of the occurrence; six AK rifle magazines, three Tavor gun magazines, 43 Tavor K2 ammunition, one breech block, some charms with animal horns, a wrist watch and an empty bag.

“Our men will continue to patrol the area as we enjoined the public not to relent in giving the command credible information that would lead to their arrests. You can be rest assured that the informants’ identities would be jealousy protected”.

Ogar said 24 suspects were arrested for illegal dealings in petroleum products, attempted vandalism of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Pipelines, conspiracy, advance fee fraud, illegal possession of ammunition, obtaining by false pretence and other criminal offences.

He said: “Let me assure the well-meaning people of Rivers State that with a renewed vigour, we will continue to fight against crimes and criminalities in the State.

“All the suspects will definitely have their time in court. Our goal is to make the environment conducive for business to thrive without mayhem, chaos, disturbance of peace or breakdown of law and order.

“We will continue to fight against oil theft and illegal oil bunkering activities to salvage the nation’s economy from saboteurs even as we solicit for the support and cooperation of the public by giving actionable intelligence and information that will assist us to nip in the bud all criminal acts so that the state can be a safe haven for all dwellers”.

(Nation)