Rivers State Police have reported the killing of four alleged notorious kidnappers believed to be involved in a string of abductions throughout the state and its surrounding areas. SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command’s spokeswoman, released a statement on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, identifying the slain suspects as the individuals responsible for the kidnapping and subsequent murder of Hope Georgewill, the CEO of HMG Attitude Limited.

According to Iringe-Koko, Georgewill, along with two others, was abducted on March 26 along the Cotton Channel, Bakana River. The abduction was reportedly carried out by a group of sea pirates led by Preye Ngian-Ngian, who hails from the Degema Local Government Area of the state. A ransom of N2 million was paid to secure Georgewill’s release; however, he was ultimately killed, and his body was recovered and taken to the mortuary.

Following Georgewill’s death, the police initiated an intelligence-led investigation, leading to the arrest of two suspects. These suspects then guided operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit to the gang’s hideout located in a creek off the Bonny waterways. Upon arriving at the location, the police operatives were met with heavy gunfire from the suspects. The police responded, and in the exchange of gunfire, two of the suspects were fatally wounded, while the others fled the scene with injuries. The two arrested suspects who had guided the operatives to the hideout attempted to escape during the chaos but were apprehended with gunshot wounds.

All four injured suspects were transported to the police clinic for medical treatment but were pronounced dead upon arrival by medical personnel. Items recovered from the hideout included an operational speedboat, 80-horsepower and 70-horsepower outboard engines, the mobile phone belonging to the late Georgewill, one live cartridge, and various food items. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.

The Rivers State Police Command has stated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the state. This incident comes amidst an increase in abduction for ransom cases in Nigerian cities, with victims including clerics, entrepreneurs, and students. Last January, kidnappers killed Rowland Horsefall after collecting a ransom, and in April of the previous year, gunmen abducted a Channels TV reporter, Joshua Rogers, who was later freed.