Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command has killed one John Togo, a suspected notorious criminal involved in sea piracy, kidnapping and arms trafficking in the state.
Briefing journalists on the development yesterday at the police headquarters on Moscow Road, Port Harcourt, the state Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, said Togo was a significant threat to coastal communities in Rivers State, particularly along the Bonny-Port Harcourt, Okrika, and Andoni waterways.
Disu accused the suspect of leading an “Iceland Confraternity, he orchestrated a reign of terror, causing fear and devastation among residents and boat passengers.”
He said Togo operated illegal oil bunkering camps, engaged in arms trafficking, and was allegedly responsible for numerous heinous acts such as ambushes, murders, and robberies in the state.
Disu revealed that “John Togo’s criminal career began in the Borikiri area of Port Harcourt, where he initially engaged in cult-related activities. Gradually, he graduated from petty crimes and evolved into a full-fledged kidnapper and sea pirate, assembling a gang of ruthless criminals along the way.”
The state police boss said the suspect was among the gang that allegedly killed four military personnel recently in the state.
He said “One of the most brazen acts committed by John Togo was the ambush and subsequent murder of four members of a sister security agency on November 1, 2023, along the Bakana River in Degema Local Government Area.”
Disu also disclosed that the suspect was planning to ambush security personnel patrolling the Bille-Degema-Okrika waterways with speedboats to seize their weapons before he was neutralised.
According to him, “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 July 17, 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.”
The police boss continued: “The turning point came when John Togo abducted Precious George, the youth leader of Ibifara Polo, on May 30, 2023. After holding George captive for 12 days and receiving a ransom of N2.5 million, Togo’s face was unveiled, setting the police on his trail.
“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.
“The neutralisation of Togo, the merciless sea pirate, underscores the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to protect lives and property.”
Meanwhile, the police commissioner has assured the public that the Command would continue to work tirelessly to rid Rivers State of criminal elements, adding that the successful operation sends a clear message that lawlessness and impunity will not be tolerated.
He expressed gratitude to all the officers involved in the operation for their bravery and professionalism, adding: “Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the victims who suffered at the hands of John Togo.”
