Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested a notorious cultist and armed robbery suspect, identified as Innocent Chigozie during a raid on a hideout in Elele community in Etche Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, according to available information, had been terrorising farmers in the area.
It was also learnt that Chigozie, with his gang, had last year engaged operatives in a gun battle but they scampered following the superior firepower of men of the command.
The spokesperson for the State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Iringe-Koko disclosed that the suspected cult leader was apprehended by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
“The suspect, leader of a cultist gang, had been terrorizing farmlands at Uzo Afor road in Okahia Community, Elele, Etche LGA.
“The gang’s activities have caused widespread panic and tension in the community.
“Earlier last year, this same gang had engaged Police Operatives of the Command in a gun duel but were chased away.
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“On 30th January 2025, at about 0630hrs, Operatives arrested Innocent Chigozie m, 35yrs in his hideout through coordinated intelligence.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to owning the recovered exhibits,” she stated.
The Superintendent of Police listed the items recovered to include one Automatic Pump Action Gun and two live cartridges.
“The suspect and exhibits are currently in police custody. An investigation is ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other fleeing gang members and recover their operational weapons” Iringe-Koko added.
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