Rivers Police Arrest 51 Suspected Robbers

A combined team of security operatives raided a criminal hideout near a brothel along Azikiwe Street in Mile 2 axis of Diobu, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leading to the arrest of 51 suspects.

It was learnt that the arrest followed a distress call to the police that the hoodlums were robbing residents at gun point and carting their mobile telephones and other valuables.

A source told Punch that two rival cult groups known as Junior Vikings and De-gbam had clashed on Monday night, disrupting the area.

When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-koko confirmed the arrest, saying investigation was ongoing.

Iringe-koko said following a distress call, a combined team of police and other operatives stormed the area and gave the hoodlums a hot chase.

She said, “We got information of a criminal hideout and that these boys were robbing people at gun point in that Azikiwe area.

“So, the joint patrol team quickly moved in and chasef them. They ran into one hotel (brothel). And that hotel is a black spot in that area.

“51 of them were apprehended. They are currently being profiled and helping the police with useful information that can give us a breakthrough.”

Asked if some of those arrested may not have been wrongly picked, she said investigation was ongoing, saying, “Anyone found to be innocent will be released, while others will be charged to court.”

Iringe-koko, a superintendent of police called on residents to feel free to volunteer useful information to the police that may lead to the arrest of criminal elements.