The Rivers State Police Command has launched a new special operation known as Rapid Response Team, with a mandate to mount surveillance on strategic locations and flash-points of criminal activities.
The State Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike unveiled the new squad while parading over thirty suspected criminals at the command headquarters in Port Harcourt.
The suspects include a traditional ruler, identified as Gideon Nwokocha from Ogba Egbema-Ndoni Local Government, who is accused of sponsoring cult activities in his area.
Ezike said men of the Rapid Response Team would make use of the thirty patrol vehicles donated by the Rivers State Government in carrying out their duties.
He enjoined member of the public to assist the team with relevant information to effectively carry out the assigned operations.
He also confirmed the dismissal of the police officer, accused of killing a bus driver around Wimpey area on Ikwerre Road in Port Harcourt last Friday.
He said investigation on the incident revealed that the dismissed police sergeant used his firearm against the rules of engagement, adding that he would be arraigned in court soon.
He equally commiserated with the deceased’s family and the National Union of Road Transport Workers over the incident, and promised that justice would be served on the accused policeman.
Ezike said, “The 30 operational vehicles donated to the Command shall be put to use from today. The operational modus is that the vehicles shall be deployed to strategic junctions and locations identified as flashpoints to maintain static positions.
“They are however combat ready to react to incidents within their operational vicinity and respond to distress calls.
“The operatives have undergone pre-deployment training and have been briefed on the use of firearms in accordance with FORCE ORDERS. Dedicated telephone numbers have been procured for all the vehicles and very soon shall be inscribed on each of vehicles for ease of public communications.
“Members of the public are enjoined to cooperate with the Teams, give credible and useful information to aid their operations.
“You are well aware of the shooting incident by an Ex-Police Sergeant resulting to the death of a Commercial Bus driver, Mr. David Legbara on Friday, 7th of August, 2015, which incident led to spontaneous protests/demonstration by members of the public.
“This act was condemned by the Command and the Inspector-General of Police. Full scale investigation commenced immediately and outcome of the investigation has indicted the officer of using his firearm against the provisions of Force Order 237.
“He has been tried in departmental orderly room, found guilty for offences against discipline to wit; Misuse of Firearms and Discreditable Conduct, dismissed from the Force and was charged to court today 12th of August, 2015.
“We are in touch with the family of the deceased driver, the National Union of Road Transport Workers and other stakeholders who have helped to calm the situation. We commend their understanding and maturity at this moment of grief.
“Though the Force has taken actions pursuant to ensuring that justice is served, we know that these actions may not be enough to bring back their breadwinner but it will serve as a deterrent.
“On 10/08/2015, attempts by kidnappers to abduct one Elder Ikechi Amadi and his private driver along Rumuji/Ndele end of the East-West Road Port Harcourt was foiled by the Command’s tactical units who engaged the hoodlums in a shootout and got three of them fatally injured and they died while receiving treatment in the hospital.
“The operational vehicle of the gang, a Lexus Jeep, one Pump Action Gun and six live cartridges were recovered at the scene.
“Highness Dr. Gideon Nwokocha, the Ochoha of Okposi in Ogba/Egbea/Ndoni LGA and two others were arrested for sponsoring cult activities in their domain. They organized and taxed members of the Community and thereafter collected illegally the sum of N1m (One million Naira) which was donated to one DON-WALI a notorious cult leader of ICELANDER Group. The arrest of these Community Leaders has opened a new chapter in the connivance, involvement and sponsorship of Community leaders in cultism”.
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