Police in Rivers State have arrested 13 suspects following an assault on journalist Allwell Ene. The raid targeted the Olu-Obasanjo axis in Port Harcourt, a known criminal hotspot. Ene was…
Police in Rivers State have arrested 13 suspects following an assault on journalist Allwell Ene. The raid targeted the Olu-Obasanjo axis in Port Harcourt, a known criminal hotspot.
Ene was attacked while conducting investigative work in the area on Monday. He was physically assaulted by suspected hoodlums as he recorded activities.
ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the police spokesperson, confirmed the operation in a statement. She said Commissioner of Police Olugenga Adewole Adepoju immediately invited Ene to provide details.
According to her, officers from the Olu-Obasanjo Division quickly responded to rescue the journalist. They restored order in the volatile neighborhood.
The Command then launched a coordinated operation across the axis. This led to the apprehension of the 13 suspects.
The arrested individuals are suspected of phone snatching and harassment of residents. Investigators are working to identify other gang members still at large.
Kaborlo noted that preliminary findings confirmed the assault took place. She said the area has a long history of criminal activity and frequent police interventions.
The police spokesperson quoted the Commissioner's warning to journalists and investigators. He advised against working alone in crime-prone locations.
"The Commissioner of Police urges journalists and private investigators to refrain from undertaking investigative activities alone, particularly in high-risk or crime-prone areas," she said. He emphasized the need for collaboration with security agencies.
Adepoju also called on the public to provide intelligence to police. He said credible information helps enhance safety across the state.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, Kaborlo confirmed. Police say they're intensifying efforts to arrest remaining syndicate members.
The Rivers State Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to protecting lives and property. Officials vowed to continue operations targeting criminal elements in the state.