The Rivers State Police Command said its men had neutralised a notorious kidnapper and murder suspect, identified as David Uzoma Kamalu, during a raid on his hideout in Rumuodogu 1 Community, Emohua Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the suspect, who was responsible for various high-profile crimes against innocent citizens, including robberies on the East Road, was killed when he and his gang opened fire on operatives who raided his camp.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Thursday.

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, further said Kamalu, also known as ?M-Kaze? had been on the wanted list of security agencies for his involvement in the murder of a local security operative, Mr Alete popularly called ?Hunter Commander? in January this year.

The statement partly reads, ?In a daring operation, on the 25th of May, 2025, operatives from the Rumuji Division of the Rivers State Police Command neutralised a suspected kidnapper and murderer, David Uzoma Kamalu, ?m? a.k a. M-Kaze and recovered exhibits in a tactical raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Rumuodogu 1 Community, Emohua Local Government Area.

?The operation, which commenced at about 0100hrs, was the culmination of days of intensive intelligence gathering, showcasing the command?s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge intelligence to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks.

?During the operation, the police operatives encountered fierce armed resistance from the gang members, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

?In the ensuing engagement, M-Kaze was neutralised, while several other gang members escaped with varying degrees of bullet wounds.?

She revealed that a thorough search of Kamalu?s hideout yielded a cache of incriminating exhibits, including one pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, and various local charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation.

The statement added, ?The deceased suspect, M-Kaze, was a high-value target with a notorious reputation for orchestrating heinous crimes against innocent citizens.

?Due to his egregious crimes and notorious leadership of a kidnapping syndicate, a bounty was placed on M-Kaze?s head by the then Chairman of Emohua LGA and this declaration underscores the significant threats he has posed to the safety and security of the community.

?He was declared wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in the gruesome murder and beheading of a local security operative popularly called ?Hunter Commander,?. Alete, in January 2025, and multiple high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies along the East-West Road corridor, terrorising residents and commuters.?

The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, while speaking, reiterated the commitment of the command under his watch to ensure public safety and security and assured that efforts will be intensified to apprehend and bring to justice all perpetrators of crime in the state.

Meanwhile, the state police image maker said an investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang members and urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.

?All recovered items have been meticulously documented as crucial exhibits for further investigation and potential prosecution,? she added. (The PUNCH)

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