Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Rivers State Police Command says it has neutralized a notorious sea pirate and illegal oil bunkering identified as John Togo, who terrorized coastal communities along Bonny-Port Harcourt, Okrika and Andoni Waterways.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, noted that before his death, ‘Togo’ operated illegal oil bunkering camps, engaged in arms trafficking, and was responsible for numerous heinous acts such as ambushes, murders, and robberies.
Disu briefing newsmen in Port Harcourt said operatives of the Command, in collaboration with the C4I intelligence unit and the Borikiri Police Division acting on credible intelligence, launched an operation to apprehend Togo and his gang, which resulted in a firefight, leading to Togo’s death and the recovery of his body.
The Rivers Police boss also said Togo who was the head of Iceland Confraternity, orchestrated a reign of terror, causing fear and devastation among residents, boat passengers and water travelers in the state.
He also revealed that one of the most brazen acts committed by Togo was the ambush and subsequent murder of four operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps on the 1st of November 2023 along Bakana River in Degema Local Government Area.
According to him, Togo ambushed security personnel patrolling the Bille-Degema-Okrika waterways with speedboats to seize their weapons before he was neutralized, adding that throughout his criminal career, Togo engaged in numerous shootouts with the Marine Police, Nigerian Army, and NSCDC, disregarding law enforcement and public safety.
He said, “John Togo’s criminal career began in the Borikiri area of Port Harcourt, where he initially engaged in cult-related activities. Gradually, he graduated from petty crimes and evolved into a full-fledged kidnapper and sea pirate, assembling a gang of ruthless criminals along the way.
“Adopting the alias of ex-militant John Togo, who had been killed in July 2011, he and his gang gained notoriety in 2021 due to their involvement in a series of sea piracy and kidnappings, which ignited the #EndSeaPiracy protests and campaigns that reverberated throughout Bonny Island in January 2021.
“Despite previous encounters with security forces, John Togo continued to elude capture. He targeted commercial boats, mercilessly killing drivers and throwing passengers into the sea as he stole the vessels. In one such encounter on the 17th of July 2023, Togo engaged security forces in a shootout, compelling them to abandon their gunboat.
“The turning point came when John Togo abducted Precious George, the Youth Leader of Ibifara Polo, on the 30th of May 2023. After holding George captive for twelve days and receiving a ransom of 2.5 million Naira, Togo’s face was unveiled, setting the police on his trail.”
The CP further noted that the elimination of Togo, underscores the commitment of the State Police Command to protect lives and properties, just as he assured members of the public that the Police will continue to work tirelessly to rid the State of criminal elements.
