By Uzair Adam Imam
The Rivers State police have arrested 13 individuals, including four soldiers and a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, for alleged armed robbery, hijacking of food trucks, and diverting them to other locations.
According to the police spokeswoman, Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrests followed a thorough investigation triggered by an initial arrest of suspected burglary in a private warehouse in Elimgbu community, Ohio/Akpor LGA.
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.
They confessed to abandoning their posts to engage in criminal activities in Rivers State.Further investigations uncovered a larger criminal ring involved in armed robbery, hijacking, and goods diversion.
The gangs hijacked trailers loaded with various goods, including fertilizers, imported clothing, and POP cement.The police recovered stolen items and a white Toyota Hilux used in the gang’s operations.
The four soldiers involved were dismissed by the Nigerian Army and handed over to the police for prosecution.