Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have foiled an armed robbery attempt along Prisigbara/Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road in Bori, headquarters of Khana local government area of the State, killing three of the suspected robbers.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt, said the success was achieved through a coordinated effort of men of the Bori Police Division and Anti-Cultism Unit, Bori.
Iringe-Koko stated that the three suspects, including one notorious armed robber and cultist, Monday Sulole, also known as ‘Oyoyo’ died during a shootout with the security operatives.
The statement read in part: “On
March 21, 2024, men of the Rivers State Police Command responded swiftly to a distress call reporting a robbery operation on Prisigbara/Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic Road in Khana Local Government Area.
“In a coordinated effort, officers from the Police Division, Bori, and the Anti-Cultism Unit, Bori, were dispatched to the scene.
“Upon the arrival of the police personnel, the robbers engaged them in gunfire. However, due to the superior firepower of the police, the assailants were subdued, and the robbery operation was successfully thwarted.
“Tragically, during the exchange, three of the suspects sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the Police Clinic in Bori. Regrettably, their injuries proved fatal, and they were pronounced dead upon arrival.
“The deceased has been identified as Monday Sulole, a notorious armed robber and cultist, also known as “Oyoyo.” Sulole, aged 25 and hailing from Yeghe in Gokana Local Government Area, was responsible for numerous cult clashes and armed robberies in the Ogoni axis of Rivers State.
“As a result of the operation, the police recovered several items from the robbers, including one locally made revolver pistol with three live ammunition, one locally-made shotgun with three cartridges, a machete, and several charms.
“We assure the community that the area has returned to normalcy, and we have implemented increased police patrols in and around the vicinity to ensure the safety of residents.
“The Rivers State Police Command acknowledges the concerns raised by the community regarding the harassment and robbery of students, particularly in the densely populated area. This successful operation is expected to bring much-needed relief to the community.
“We urge residents to continue cooperating with the police, as your support is instrumental in our ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.”
Meanwhile, the State’s Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has assured members of the public that the Command remains resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property within the state.
Disu said: “We will continue to employ professional and proactive measures to combat criminal activities and ensure the overall safety and well-being of all residents.
“The Rivers State Police Command appreciates the cooperation and support received thus far from the community and pledges to continue working diligently to achieve lasting peace and security in the region.”
