The Nigeria Police Force has announced the arrest of nine kidnap kingpins even as the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim K. Idris, has assured Nigerians that the Police is ever ready and more determined to make sure that all those who engage in vicious crime such as kidnappings, armed robbery and other criminal activities do not escape justice. It is in line with this stance that operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) swung into action to arrest the incessant menace.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Don Awunah, recalled that "the team, on 12th October, 2016 launched a massive onslaught on the kidnappers of some residents of GRA Phase II, Port Harcourt main town, Borikiri General Area and YKC axis of Woji in Rivers state. This feat yielded prompt outcome as the hoodlums were arrested as a result of due diligence and intelligence exhibited by members of the Police Force complimented by public spirited citizens eager to curb crimes in the society.

"The suspects who were responsible for most kidnappings in Port Harcourt were arrested at different locations in Rivers State.”

The Police authorities gave the names of the suspects as Daniel Gabriel ‘M’ 33 years (gang leader),

Alaso Igodo ‘M’ 23 Years, Akeodi Aselemi ‘M’ 34 years, Ayibinmoter Livinus ‘M’ 25 years, Anikunka Anikunka ‘M’ 33 years, Biebele Elijah ‘M’ 34 years, Efiya Anda ‘M’ 34 years, Daniel Lessor ‘M’ 31 years and Isaac Reuben ‘M’ 27 years.

The Police also tendered as evidence, one AKA 47 rifle with bridge No. 0731, four AKA 47 magazines with 42 live ammunitions, four face masks and one green Mazda salon car used by the syndicate as operational vehicle.

"In a similar development, residents of an estate in Isheri area of Lagos State were kidnapped on 27/09/2016 and the Intelligence Response Team swung into action and arrested four of the kidnappers. The spirited effort of the team led to the arrest of the fifth gang member, one Temmi Enormi, ‘M’ 31 years. The suspect was arrested in Lagos State on 07/10/2016 at 0200hrs and confessed to be a member of the Isheri Landlord kidnapping and was confirmed by other gang members earlier arrested.

"The IGP wishes to restate the commitment of the Nigeria Police force in ensuring that all forms of crimes and particularly kidnap for ransom and other violent crimes are brought to a bearable and tolerable level throughout the country. He urged Nigerians to always be law abiding and see themselves as stakeholders in the fight against crime and criminality.

•Photo shows IGP Ibrahim K. Idris.

Update news