Eight suspected robbers, car snatchers arrested in Rivers

Eight suspected armed robbers and  car snatchers have been arrested by the police in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The state police acting spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, who made this known in a statement on Wednesday said four suspected robbers were arrested after operatives responded to a distress call at the Abonema Wharf axis of the city.

“Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command, while responding to a distress call on April 4, 2022, at the Abonnema Wharf, Port Harcourt, where some miscreants were attacking officials of the Petroleum Task Force, arrested four suspects.

“The suspects are: Lucky Yaatee, 22; Bala Ibrahim, 20; Izuchukwu Eze, 39; and Okro Agu, 51.

“In a bid to chase others who took to their heels, the police stormed some shanties where the following arms and ammunition were recovered: one MKIV Service 80 pistol with breach number FC 01010e.

“One Makarov pistol with a defaced breach number; two double-barrelled locally-made pistols; three single-barrelled locally-made pistols; one shotgun and an automatic pump-action gun with breach number 00063.

“Others are three Barretta pistols with defaced breach numbers; 27 rounds of 12 by 12 by 5mm live cartridges; 69 rounds of 60 by 84 GMP live ammunition; three revolver pistol’s magazine and one SMG magazine,” the statement read.

Iringe-Koko said the state Commissioner of Police, Friday Eboka, had ordered a detailed investigation into the case with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects.

She further stated that on April 3, 2022, operatives also arrested a four-man car snatching syndicate at the Agip Roundabout, Port Harcourt.

“They were in a light green Toyota Corolla with No. ZBL 12 PT, property of Mr Ajuluchukwu Nebuolisa, reportedly snatched at gunpoint on March 1, 2022, in Anambra State.

“The four suspects, Chukwudi Charis, 38; Emmanuel Thompson, 32; Confidence Eze, 37; and Ubong James, 39, are already helping the police with their investigation. They will be transferred to Anambra State where the offence was committed,” Iringe-Koko added.