Joy As Police Kills Notorious Waterways Criminal

 

By

 Awajis Josiah-Chijindu

The Rivers State Police Command has neutralized a notorious and high-profile criminal involved in sea piracy, kidnapping and arms trafficking, John Togo the second’ who was a significant threat to coastal communities in Rivers State, particularly along Bonny-Port Harcourt, Okrika, and Andoni waterways.

 

Briefing Newsmen at the Command's headquarters in Port Harcourt, Commissioner of Police, Olatuji Disu stated that the suspect Togo, is the 'Anchor Head' of the Iceland Confraternity, who orchestrated a reign of terror, causing fear and devastation among residents and boat passengers. 

According to CP, the suspect operates illegal oil bunkering camps, engaged in arms trafficking and was responsible for numerous heinous acts such as ambushes, murders and robberies.

 

''Notably, he was planning to ambush security personnel patrolling the Bille-Degema-Okrika waterways with speedboats to seize their weapons before he was neutralized. Throughout his criminal career, John Togo engaged in numerous shootouts with the Marine Police, Nigerian Army, and NSCDC, displaying his utter disregard for law enforcement and public safety. In one such encounter on the 17th of July 2023, Togo engaged security forces in a shootout, compelling them to abandon their gunboat.

Despite previous encounters with security forces, John Togo continued to elude capture. He targeted commercial boats, mercilessly killing drivers and throwing passengers into the sea as he stole the vessels.''

CP Disu revealed that one of the most brazen acts committed by Togo was the ambush and subsequent murder of four members of a sister security Agency on the 1st of November 2023 along the Bakana River in Degema Local Government Area. 

''The neutralization of John Togo, the merciless sea pirate, underscores the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to protect lives and properties. We assure the public that we will continue to work tirelessly to rid Rivers State of criminal elements. This successful operation sends a clear message that lawlessness and impunity will not be tolerated.''

The Rivers State Police Boss, noted that turning point came when Togo abducted the Youths Leader of Ibifara Polo, Precious George on the 30th of May 2023. After holding George captive for twelve days and receiving a ransom of two point five million Naira, Togo's face was unveiled, setting the police on his trail.

 

CP Tuji added that acting on credible intelligence, the Rivers State Police Command, in collaboration with the C4i intelligence unit and the Borikiri Police Division, launched an operation to apprehend Togo and his gang, cornered and outnumbered, Togo and his accomplices engaged in a firefight, resulting in Togo's death and the recovery of his body.