Men of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested 15 suspected armed robbers and cultists in their hideout at Prana Hotel, Akabuka in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.
The suspects were said to be preparing for an operation when security operatives rounded them up at about 1am on Saturday.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state, Mr. Ahmad Mohammad, on Sunday said the suspected armed robbers and cultists were apprehend after a tip-off from “well-meaning Nigerians”.
Mohammad listed the names of the suspects as Vincent Odum, Odinaka Ogbugo, Chisa Peter, Emenike Ayodele, John James, Vincent Ikeguru and Atumatu Isaac.
Others, according to the police spokesman, are Oliver Odum, Gift Odika, Collins Georgewill, John Daniel, Uchechukwu Dimkpa, Emmanuel Solomon, Ogechi Okorobia and Obi Eze Okwu.
He said, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the police, in its increased onslaught against criminals, have raided suspected criminals’ hideout.
“On January 1, 2015, at about 1am, a team of policemen raided Prana Hotel along Oboburu Road in Akabuka in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area and arrested 15 suspected armed robbers/cultists who were about to go out for an operation.”
The PPRO listed some of the items recovered from the suspects as three pump- action rifles, one English made double-barrelled gun, one locally-made pistol and two Dane guns.
Other items recovered, according to Mohammad, are 79 cartridges, four objects suspected to be explosives, two cutlasses, one military camouflage trouser and a walkie-talkie.
Mohammad expressed the appreciation of the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Dan Bature, to the people of the state for their efforts in volunteering credible and timely information to support the police in the fight against crime.
