Police neutralise suspected notorious kidnap kingpin in Rivers

Operatives of the Police Command in Rivers have neutralised a suspected notorious kidnap kingpin believed to be responsible for several abductions and killings across the state.

SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s Public Relations Officer, disclosed in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Friday that the suspect, David Kamalu, was killed during a gun battle with police operatives.

She explained that the incident took place during a raid on a criminal hideout in Rumuodogo One community, Emohua Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers.

“The operation at the criminal hideout commenced at about 1 a.m., following days of intensive intelligence gathering on Kamalu, who was popularly known as ‘M-Kaze’.

“During the raid, our operatives encountered heavy armed resistance from members of Kamalu’s gang, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.

“In the ensuing shootout, Kamalu was neutralised, while several other gang members fled with varying degrees of bullet wounds,” she said.

Iringe-Koko described the deceased as a high-value target, reputed for allegedly masterminding multiple kidnappings of innocent citizens.

She also accused Kamalu of the brutal murder and beheading of a local security operative, known as Alete, alias ‘Hunter Commander’, in January.

According to her, the suspect was also linked to several high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies targeting both Emohua residents and commuters travelling along the East-West Road.

“Owing to his heinous crimes and his leadership of a violent kidnapping syndicate, the then Chairman of Emohua LGA had placed a bounty on Kamalu’s head.

“The bounty underscored the grave threat he posed to the peace and security of the LGA,” she added.

Iringe-Koko confirmed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other gang members who escaped during the raid.

She urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.

Items recovered during the raid included a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, and various charms reportedly used by the kidnappers for protection and intimidation