The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended 13 individuals, which includes four soldiers and an officer from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), on suspicion of armed robbery, seizing food trucks, and rerouting them to different locations.
According to a statement obtained by SaharaReporters on Monday, the police spokesperson in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed that the arrests resulted from a comprehensive investigation set off by an initial apprehension of suspected burglary in a private warehouse in Elimgbu community, Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Iringe-Koko pointed out that two of the initial suspects were identified as a corporal in the Nigerian Army serving in Delta State and an officer of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps serving in Kabba, Kogi State.
She mentioned that the detained security personnel admitted to deserting their posts to partake in criminal activities in Rivers State.
Furthermore, Iringe-Koko stated that subsequent investigations revealed a more extensive criminal network engaged in armed robbery, hijacking, and the diversion of merchandise.
She revealed that the criminal groups were responsible for seizing trailers loaded with various goods, such as fertilizers, imported clothing, and POP cement.
Additionally, she noted that the police recovered stolen items and a white Toyota Hilux utilized in the operations of the criminal group.
Furthermore, she mentioned that the four involved soldiers were discharged by the Nigerian Army and handed over to the police for prosecution.
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