Police Kill 4 Suspected Kidnappers In Rivers

Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have killed four suspected kidnappers who were involved in the kidnapping and killing of a Port Harcourt-based designer, Hope Georgewill, about three weeks ago.

Georgewill, the chief executive officer of HMG Attitude Limited, was abducted alongside two others on March 26, 2025, along the Cowthorne Channel, Bakana River by a gang of notorious sea pirates allegedly led by one Preye Ngian-Ngian, a native of Degema local government area of the state.

Despite a ransom payment of N2 million made to the kidnappers, it was the victim’s body that was later recovered and deposited at the morgue.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Grace Iringe-Koko, in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said the four suspects were neutralised during a tactical operation on their hideout located in a creek off the Bonny Waterway.

“Following relentless investigative efforts and intelligence led policing, on April 3, 2025, at about 0730hrs, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua, in collaboration with intelligence gathered from two earlier arrested suspects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, launched a tactical operation on the kidnappers’ hideout located in a creek off the Bonny Waterway.

“Upon arrival at the hideout, the operatives came under heavy gunfire from the hoodlums. The team responded with decisive force, and in the ensuing exchange, two of the suspects were fatally wounded, while others fled the scene with varying degrees of injuries.

“The two initial suspects who led the team to the location attempted to escape during the melee but were later apprehended with gunshot wounds.”

During a continued combing of the creek, operatives recovered as exhibits, one operational speedboat, one 80-horsepower and one 70-horsepower outboard engine as well as the deceased’s mobile phone without SIM card.

“Also recovered were one live cartridge and food supplies used by the kidnappers

“All four wounded suspects were immediately transported to the Police Clinic for emergency treatment.

However, upon arrival, the attending medical officer confirmed them dead on arrival. Their remains have since been deposited for autopsy,” the statement said.