The Operatives of the Rivers State Police have killed a notorious sea pirate, cultist and gunrunner, John Togo, who allegedly terrorised the coastal communities along Bonny-Port Harcourt, waterways.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Olatunji Disu, said the suspect, ‘Togo the Second’ was a member of the dreaded Iceland cult, adding that he reigned terror on residents of the state, sea travellers.

Disu noted that the police operatives in collaboration with the C4i Intelligence Unit and the Borikiri Police Division while acting on credible intelligence had stormed the camp of the criminal gang.

He noted that on sighting the police, the group had open fire, adding that the kingpin was brough down on the process.

Disu disclosed that before Togo’s death that he operated illegal oil bunkering camps, engaged in arms trafficking, killings and robberies.

He said: “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.

“Despite previous encounters with security forces, John Togo continued to elude capture. He targeted commercial boats, mercilessly killing drivers and throwing passengers into the sea as he stole the vessels. In one such encounter on the 17th of July 2023, Togo engaged security forces in a shootout, compelling them to abandon their gunboat.

“The turning point came when John Togo abducted 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, Togo’s face was unveiled, setting the police on his trail,” he added.

In another development, Disu said police rescued a Day-old baby and apprehended two suspects involved in a case of human trafficking.

Disu hinted that the incident happened on Monday, 22nd January 2024, when some diligent officers from the C4i Intelligence Unit of the Command conducted a routine stop and search operation along Igwuruta-Eneka Road.

The CP said the officers intercepted one Daniel Destiny Onyegbulem, a 28-year-old male from Umuoye in Etche LGA, and Uzodinma Eze, also known as Thank-God, a 33-year-old male from Omanwa, Ikwerre LGA of the state.

He said: “Daniel disclosed that he had been contacted by a woman known as ‘Mama Destiny,’ a pastry vendor in his locality. Mama Destiny had enlisted his services to transport the sack bag containing the baby to Eneka junction, with instructions to await further contact from an associate who would receive the bag. In exchange for his involvement, Daniel was enticed with a payment of 10,000 Naira.

“Further revelations emerged through Daniel’s account. He explained that he was summoned to a location along Egbi Road to finalize the transaction. Accompanied by Mama Destiny’s husband, he was driven to Chokocho junction, where he met Uzodinma, the operator of the commercial motorbike they used for the delivery.” (Vanguard)

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