The Rivers State Police Command on Tuesday killed a wanted kidnapper and armed robber, Wordi Amadi, and three of his gang members.
The state Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Emeka, during a parade, said Wordi had been on the wanted list of the police, adding that he and his gang killed several security operatives and innocent persons in the state.
Emeka noted that the operatives of the command acting on intelligence around 2.30am spotted a notorious kidnapping gang headed by Amadi from the Elibrada community.
He explained that on sighting the police operatives, the hoodlums opened fire but were subdued by the superior firepower of the operatives.
Emeka stated: “The command has achieved yet another victory in the struggle against crime and criminality, which is outlined here. On June 13, 2023, around 2.30am, operatives of the command, based on intelligence gathered, spotted a notorious kidnapping gang headed by one Wordi Amadi, 25, from the Elibrada community in the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, and his gang somewhere at Ogoloma, in Okirika LGA of Rivers State.
“On sighting the police operatives, the hoodlums opened fire but were subdued by the superior firepower of the operatives. Wordi Amadi and his gang have been on the wanted list of the police command. He has killed policemen and innocent citizens, and has been terrorising the East-West Road, kidnapping and robbing for ransom and has made the Elibrada indigenes desert their homes.”
“The gang leader, Wordi Amadi, and three of the gang members, including a female, were fatally wounded. They were quickly rushed to the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital where the doctor on duty confirmed them dead.”
Emeka said exhibits recovered from them included one AK47 rifle with 25 rounds of 7.62 x 32mm, one assault rifle with 20 rounds of live ammunition, one pump action with four live cartridges and assorted charms.
Meanwhile, Emeka said police last Friday rescued nine kidnap victims in a forest following an intelligence report that some miscreants were operating near the East-West Road.
Emeka said, “On Friday, June 9, 2023, while on routine patrol, operatives of the command received information that hoodlums were operating along the East-West Road between Eveku and Oduoha in Emohua Local Government Area of the State.
“On arrival at the scene, operatives combed the forest and five victims were rescued. They were all travelling from Osun State to Rivers State. Upon frantic efforts both by the police and local vigilantes, after a gun battle with the hoodlums at their camp, four more abducted victims that were still in captivity were rescued unhurt. The rescued victims have been debriefed and allowed to reunite with their families.”