Emmanuel Nlewedum, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command says it’s operatives from the Rumuji Division have neutralised a notorious Kidnapper identified as David Uzoma Kamalu, a.k a. M-Kaze in the state, recovering some of his arms, ammunition and voodoo charms.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko in a statement on Thursday said the operatives have also launched a manhunt for fleeing gang members of the neutralized kidnapper, who escaped with gunshot wounds.
SP Iringe-Koko said the feat followed days of surveillance on the suspects and an early morning tactical raid on their hideout in Rumuodogo 1 Community, in Emohua Local Government Area of the state on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed that the suspect and his gang members in a bid to evade arrest, engaged police operatives in a fierce gun battle.
She, noted that the gun duel between the police and the hoodlums led to the death of the kidnapping kingpin, while other gang members who escaped, sustained various degrees of injuries.
The statement reads, “The operation, which commenced at about 0100hrs was the culmination of days of intensive intelligence gathering, showcasing the command’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge intelligence to disrupt and dismantle criminal networks.
“During the operation, the Police operatives encountered fierce armed resistance from the gang members, leading to an exchange of gunfire. In the ensuing engagement, M-Kaze was neutralized, while several other gang members escaped with varying degrees of bullet wounds.
“A thorough search of the hideout yielded a cache of incriminating exhibits, including: One pump-action shotgun, Two live cartridges, Various local charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation.”
According to her, the deceased suspect masterminded the gruesome murder and beheading of a local security operative, popularly called Hunter Commander, Mr. Alete, in January 2025.
She stated that the deceased suspect carried out multiple high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies along the East-West Road corridor, terrorizing residents and commuters.
“The deceased suspect, M-Kaze, was a high-value target with a notorious reputation for orchestrating heinous crimes against innocent citizens.
“Due to his egregious crimes and notorious leadership of a kidnapping syndicate, a bounty was placed on M-Kaze’s head by the then Chairman of Emohua LGA and this declaration underscored the significant threats he has posed to the safety and security of the community.
“He was declared wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in the gruesome murder and beheading of a local security operative popularly called “Hunter Commander”, Mr. Alete, in January 2025, and multiple high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies along the East-West Road corridor, terrorizing residents and commuters.
“Investigation is currently ongoing, efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing gang members,” she added.
The police hierarchy in the state however urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.
SP Iringe-Koko echoed the state Commissioner of Police commitment to ensuring public safety and security across the state.
“The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest security agency.
All recovered items have been meticulously documented as crucial exhibits for further investigation and potential prosecution.
“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, reiterates the commitment to ensuring public safety and security, and assures the public that efforts will continue to be made to apprehend and bring to justice all perpetrators of crime in the state.”
