The Police in Rivers State has killed 11 suspected armed robbers in encounters in various parts of the state.
The Rivers State Police command has killed 11 suspected armed robbers and five suspected kidnappers in encounters in various parts of the state in the last three weeks.
The Force also announced the arrest of 45 suspected armed robbers, 74 suspected cultists and eight suspected members of a kidnap gang, as well as the recovery of 26 vehicles and several arms and ammunition within the period.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Ezike, gave the breakdown, on Tuesday, July 21, while addressing reporters as he paraded some of the suspects at the headquarters of the Rivers state police command, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.
He disclosed that the suspects included a three-man armed robbery gang led by a soldier who deserted his duty post in Maiduguri, Borno State.
His said: “On 1/7/2015, SARS operatives tracked down a five-man armed robbery syndicate and arrested three members of the gang. This group is adept at snatching vehicles from their owners, especially within Mgbuoba/NTA axis of Port Harcourt.
"Ironically, the group is led by a soldier, who deserted his Unit on duty at Maiduguri, Borno State.
“On 7/7/2015 at about 1400hrs, a three-man armed robbery gang operating with a black Highlander Jeep was intercepted by the Police along Rumuobiokani Road, after robbing a man of over N 2million withdrawn from a Bank. In the ensuing encounter, one of the robbers was arrested with bullet wounds, his accomplices escaped.
“Their operational vehicle was recovered and when searched, two AK47 rifles, with four magazines loaded with 92 rounds of 9.62mm ammunition, including 2 extra plate numbers BRR 490 BZ and KRD 09 DK as well as the robbed money were recovered. Similar feats were recorded in three other instances in the State.
“Within the past 24 days, the SARS Team has arrested 45 suspected armed robbers, recovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 1 SMG, 3 pump action guns; 18 locally-made guns, 20 magazines, over 400 rounds of ammunition and 69 cartridges. Twenty-six (26) vehicles were also recovered. Some of these are available for your sighting.”