By: Emmanuel Nlewedum
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a fake military officer, including 8 suspected armed robbers, 11 kidnappers and 3 child traffickers.
Parading the suspects at the command’s headquarters, the State Commissioner of Police, Eboka Friday, said they were arrested in different locations in the state for separate crimes in the months of January and February, 2022.
The CP told Journalists that one Mr. Adamu Siraju, a fake military officer was arrested at G-Throne Hotel, Rumuigbo in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the fake soldier was never enlisted into the Nigeria Army.
According to the CP, a G3 rifle and 10 live ammunition which the suspect confessed was given to him by an NSCDC personnel was recovered.
He added that 4 arms, 4 locally made guns, 10 cartridges, 2 magazines, 44 ammunition, 3 mobile phones and 9 vehicles were also recovered from the armed robbery and kidnapping suspects.
The Rivers Police boss also stated that on February 23rd, 2022, two children who were allegedly stolen were rescued and reunited back with their parents while three members of the child kidnapping syndicate were arrested.
The rescued children, aged 4 and 12 according to the CP were abducted from their mother’s shop on September 25, 2020, but were rescued by operatives following a covert operation on June 2021 and February 23, 2022, respectively.
He disclosed that the arrested suspects; Favour Ajuzie, 30, Chioma Chibuike, 43 and Comfort Abatuo 56, would be charged to court immediately after investigation.
He reassured residents of the command’s commitment in the fight against crime and other vices in the state.