The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to safeguarding lives and property, following a major breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping in the State.

Adepoju said this in a statement by the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko which was made available to the Press in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

The police boss, in the statement, noted that the recent operation underscores the resolve of the command to intensify intelligence-driven policing and dismantle criminal networks operating within the State.

“Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command recorded the success after foiling an attempted abduction in Port Harcourt, leading to the arrest of a suspected gang member and recovery of arms and ammunition”, it said.

The incident, according to the statement, occurred in the early hours of March 20 when a 35-year-old resident, Fadi Nasser, raised the alarm over an invasion of his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area of the state capital.

According to Police sources, the armed assailants attempted to abduct the victim and opened fire during the attack, creating panic in the neighbourhood.

“The victim, however, managed to escape unhurt, an outcome described by security operatives as both fortunate and instrumental in enabling a swift response by the police”, it said.

Investigations gained momentum after a mobile phone suspected to belong to one of the attackers was recovered at the scene, providing a critical lead for operatives.

Acting on the intelligence, officers of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit based in Aluu deployed technical resources to track the device, which led to the arrest of one Joseph Abibo, identified as a member of the gang.

During interrogation, the suspect, the statement revealed, reportedly confessed and provided useful information that guided operatives to the gang’s hideout within the State.

Police sources also disclosed that upon arrival at the location, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from other members of the gang, prompting a fierce exchange.

The Police team, however, overpowered the criminals, forcing several of them to flee, with about six suspects escaping into a nearby river with gunshot wounds.

The police revealed that a search of the hideout led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 108 rounds of live ammunition, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover more weapons.

King Onunwor

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to restore the garden city status of Port Harcourt through improved regulation of car dealership operations.

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, made this known during a meeting with the Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria (MDAN), Rivers State Chapter, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

The engagement, he noted, forms part of ongoing efforts by the state government to sanitize the urban environment and address activities that deface the city.

A statement issued by the Commissioner’s Press Secretary, Dr. Boma Waribor, explained in part that the meeting followed a recent tour of Port Harcourt by officials of the Ministry.

“During the tour, several challenges were identified, including street trading, illegal structures, indiscriminate roadside activities, dilapidated bus stops, shanties and other forms of environmental nuisance,” it stated.

Addressing the stakeholders, the Commissioner also stressed the resolve of the Ministry to streamline car dealership operations to ensure orderliness and compliance with urban planning standards.

He disclosed that under the new arrangement, all legitimate car dealers would be required to operate from approved locations with uniform fencing and proper branding.

Giving insight into the development, Hart said the initiative was in line with the vision of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, to restore the Garden City status of Port Harcourt.

He encouraged members of the association to support the drive by ensuring that their activities do not obstruct public spaces or contribute to environmental degradation.

The commissioner further stated that compliance would be mandatory, adding that a timeframe would be provided for operators to regularise their businesses.

He, however, assured that the Ministry would assist genuine dealers who do not yet have proper operational bases to secure suitable locations within the stipulated period.

Hart commended the association for its contributions to the state’s economy, expressing optimism that collaboration would enhance the overall outlook of the city.

Responding, the Chairman of the association, Chief Christian Okoli, pledged the association’s readiness to work with the government to reposition the sector.

Okoli acknowledged the need for reforms, noting that a more structured system will improve both business operations and the physical environment.

He also commended the commissioner for adopting a consultative approach, describing it as more inclusive and effective, while assuring of the association’s full support.

The meeting was attended by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Soibitein Harry, alongside directors and other top management staff of the ministry.