Rivers Governor Nyesome Wike has warned criminal elements in the state that nothing will deter his administration’s battle against kidnappers and other hoodlums.
The governor gave the warning on Monday when he inspected over 3,000 assorted arms and ammunition recovered from hoodlums in Ogu-Bolo local government area of the state.
He expressed surprise at the caliber of weapons, including Rocket Propel Grenades, General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), Submachine Gun, pump-action, G3 rifles and over 3,000 ammunition, recovered from the operation.
“We are talking about the pandemic and how to keep our Rivers people safe, but some criminals still find ways to see how the state can be kept unsafe.
“Imagine the kind of weapons being displayed! This can drive out the people of Port Harcourt away, if (they are allowed to) unleash them,” he said.
He explained that the weapons are usually dug in the ground by criminals until a time they are ready to go for operations.
He
disclosed that he had directed security agencies in the state to
apprehend a gang of robbers that operates from outside the state, adding
that no stone would be left unturned to keep the state safe for
law-abiding citizens.
Commissioner of Police, Mustapha DanDaura, hinged the success of the operation on the support of Wike, especially in setting up the ‘Operation Sting’, a special anti-crime task force.
He said: “We promised His Excellency to bring crime rate to a standstill and this is the result of the government’s logistics support through provision of operations vehicles.”
“On Saturday, based on credible intelligence report that unscrupulous elements were stocking arms and ammunition in Ogu-Bolo, officers took the fight to that area. The arrest of one Samsung Napo led to the recovery of those arms and ammunition.”
While expressing surprise at the arms and ammunition and the purpose for which the criminals were stocking them, CP Daura vowed to unearth the masterminds and find out their aim.
He further disclosed that the operation was a joint effort with other security operatives, including the NSCDC, Nigeria Army and Department State Security