Operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit of the Rivers State Police Command have engaged in a fierce gun battle with suspected kidnappers after storming their hideout in Port Harcourt.

The encounter led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, magazines, and ammunition, while other gang members reportedly escaped with gunshot wounds.

State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Grace Iringe-Koko, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), confirmed the development in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

She stated that the operatives’ achievement was in line with ongoing security fortification championed by the 23rd Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu.

According to Iringe-Koko, it was a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping, as the operatives foiled the abduction attempt.

The spokesperson said 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 (GRA) of the state capital.

She stated that 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.

Iringe-Koko explained that the investigation took a decisive turn after a mobile phone believed to belong to one of the suspects was recovered at the scene.

The PPRO continued: “Acting on this lead, operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) 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.”

She said during interrogation, the suspect reportedly provided actionable intelligence that led operatives to the gang’s hideout.

According to her, on arrival at the location, the police team came under heavy gunfire from other members of the criminal group.

Iringe-Koko continued: “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.”

Security officials said the operation is part of intensified efforts by the command to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and curb violent crimes in Rivers State.

She added that a coordinated manhunt is currently underway to track down the fleeing suspects and recover additional weapons.

Meanwhile, residents in the area have been urged to remain vigilant and support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information to security agencies.

The command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, assuring members of the public that further developments on the case would be communicated as investigations continue. (Daily Sun)