Three kidnap suspects have been shot dead in a combined operation by men of the Nigerian Army and local vigilante team in Elele Alimini community, in Emohua Local Government, Rivers State.

Our correspondent reports that the incident occurred on Monday, following a tip-off by members of the public.

It was also gathered that three other suspects sustained bullet wounds during the gun duel between the soldiers in collaboration with local vigilante group against the hoodlums.

Confirming the incident to journalists, head of the local vigilante team in Elele Alimini, John Woke, disclosed that the criminals usually abduct people and take them to their hideout in a nearby forest along Elele Barrack.

Woke said from the hideout, they demand ransom from the victim’s relatives. He said following a tip-off by members of the public, his group hinted men of the Nigerian Army, who led the operation into the criminals’ hideout.

He said the kidnappers, on sighting the soldiers, opened fire, but they were overpowered by the superior ‘‘fireworks of the Army, leading to the death of three bandits”.

When contacted, the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Nnamdi Omoni, said he was yet to be briefed about the incident. (Daily Trust)

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