Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Rivers State Police Command says it has arrested 17 suspected sea pirates, who attack men of its Special Protection Unit, Base 5, at Egelegele river in Degema Local Government Area of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer in Rivers State, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, said the suspects were arrested late last night by operatives of the Marine Division of the Command.
Omoni explained that due to the well coordinated operation, which led to the arrest of one Destiny Ubani ‘M’ and 16 others who allegedly carried out the dastardly act, where the men lost their arms and ammunition.
“The suspects are currently helping the Police and making useful confessions, while efforts have been intensified to arrest the remnants of the criminal gang, who are responsible for the attacks on passengers along Degema-Asari Toru and Akuku Toru waterways.
“Items recovered from the suspects include; two AK47 magazines, different charms and ammulets, gas cylinder, assorted handsets and cash of N50,000.00 and two speed boats used in the attack.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Joseph Mukan, has appealed to the residents of Asari Toru, Akuku Toru and Degema LGAs as well as other coastal communities to increase their security consciousness.
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Mukan also urged people in the coastal areas to assist the Police with useful information that can lead to the arrest of the rampaging sea pirates terrorizing the area via the following security numbers: 08032003514, 08028915462 and 08182157778.
He assured the people of Rivers State of his determination to rid the waterways of all manner of pirate attacks in the State.
