By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Police Command says it has successfully neutralized a notorious sea pirate and kidnapper, John Togo the Second, who is said to be involved in several high-profile criminal activities on the state.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Olatunji Disu in a press statement issued in Port Harcourt, said John Togo was a significant threat to coastal communities in Rivers State, particularly along the Bonny-Port Harcourt, Okrika, and Andoni waterways.
John Togo, is said to be an ‘Anchor Head’ of the Iceland Confraternity, and has orchestrated a reign of terror, causing fear and devastation among residents and boat passengers.
CP Disu said Togo was neutralised by the C4i Unit in collaboration with the Borikiri Division.
“He operated illegal oil bunkering camps, engaged in arms trafficking, and was responsible for numerous heinous acts such as ambushes, murders, and robberies,” he said.
CP Disu stated that, “John Togo’s criminal career began in the Borikiri area of Port Harcourt, where he initially engaged in cult-related activities. Gradually, he graduated from petty crimes and evolved into a full-fledged kidnapper and sea pirate, assembling a gang of ruthless criminals along the way. “Adopting the alias of ex-militant John Togo, who had been killed in July 2011, he and his gang gained notoriety in 2021 due to their involvement in a series of sea piracy and kidnappings, which ignited the #EndSeaPiracy protests and campaigns that reverberated throughout Bonny Island in January 2021.
“One of the most brazen acts committed by John Togo was the ambush and subsequent murder of four members of a sister security Agency on the 1st of November 2023 along the Bakana River in Degema Local Government Area”. The police chief said the neutralises sea pirate was planning to ambush security personnel patrolling the Bille-Degema-Okrika waterways with speedboats to seize their weapons before he was neutralized.
He said turning point came when John Togo abducted one Precious George, the Youth Leader of Ibifara Polo, on the 30th of May 2023. After holding George captive for twelve days and receiving a ransom of 2.5 million Naira, his face was unveiled, setting the police on his trail.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the Rivers State Police Command, in collaboration with the C4i intelligence unit and the Borikiri Police Division, launched an operation to apprehend Togo and his gang. Cornered and outnumbered, Togo and his accomplices engaged in a firefight, resulting in Togo’s death and the recovery of his body.
“The neutralization of John Togo, the merciless sea pirate, underscores the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to protect lives and properties,” Disu said.
Also, CP Disu said officers of the Command successfully apprehended two suspects involved in human trafficking in Port Harcourt.
He gave the names of the arrested individuals as Daniel Destiny Onyegbulem, a 28-year-old male from Umuoye in Etche LGA, Rivers State, and Uzodinma Eze, also known as Thank-God, a 33-year-old male from Omanwa, Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State.
The statement said the suspects were arrested on Monday, 22nd January 2024, during a routine stop and search by officers from the C4i Intelligence Unit along the Igwuruta-Eneka Road.
“During the operation, their sharp instincts led them to intercept and question Daniel and Uzodinma, who were riding a commercial motorbike (Okada) from Chokocho, Etche, to Eneka.
“In course of the search, the officers made a shocking discovery. Daniel was found carrying a sack bag that contained a one-day-old baby. The baby, still covered in blood, was struggling for breath inside the sack, with the placenta also found alongside.
“Promptly recognizing the urgency of the situation, the officers swiftly provided immediate medical attention to the infant, ensuring his safe transportation to the Police Hospital. The dedicated medical personnel at the hospital skillfully resuscitated the baby, who is now in stable health and receiving the necessary care”, CP Disu stated.
The Rivers Police boss also stated that men of the Command successfully rescued three victims, Blessing Egbuna and her two daughters, Sonia and Chinaza who were kidnapped from their residence in Omuoluta, Igwuruta-Ali in Ikwerre LGA of the state.
He said the victims were kidnapped early morning of Sunday, January 28, 2024, by six armed and masked men.
CP Disu said the swift mobilisation of officers led to their rescue.
The Rivers police boss further urge residents and visitors in Rivers State to remain vigilant, proactive and report any suspicious activities to the police for prompt action.
