Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Francis Idu, has lauded residents and the Operation Puff Adder tactical team for their pivotal roles in the swift arrest of George Idumangi, the prime suspect in the murder of 42-year-old estate agent Richard Ekpebu.
Speaking to journalists in Yenagoa on Friday, Idu stressed that the operation’s success stemmed from robust community support and seamless collaboration with other security agencies.
He also praised the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s reward system, noting that it inspires officers to perform exceptionally.
Idu emphasised the dedication of the Operation Puff Adder team, led by CSP Chris Nwaogbo, stating, “Their commitment to this case has been remarkable.”
He clarified that Idumangi was apprehended in Festac Town, Lagos, while attempting to secure an international passport to flee the country.
Idu noted that the operation relied on close coordination between the Bayelsa and Lagos police commands, with support from the Nigerian Immigration Service.
“Bayelsa residents provided critical intelligence that led to his capture,” he added.
He said investigations revealed that Idumangi had swapped his phone, which was later traced to a woman who unknowingly purchased it from a shop in Computer Village, Ikeja.
He explained that, despite the suspect hiding in a gated estate, a vital lead from a dry cleaner tied to Idumangi’s associates enabled his arrest.
“Idumangi tried to evade justice, but the vigilance of Bayelsa residents ensured his capture.”
Idu expressed gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government and the Inspector-General for their technical and moral support, noting, “The IGP’s technical unit guided us through challenging moments.”
He revealed that Idumangi, with his girlfriend’s involvement, betrayed his friend Ekpebu in a shocking crime, emphasizing the gravity of the betrayal.
In a related development, Idu paraded two suspects arrested with military-grade ammunition, who had fled conflict in the North West to Bayelsa.
“These high-velocity rounds are not typical civilian ammunition,” he clarified.
He urged Yenagoa residents to report suspicious activity, stressing that community trust was instrumental in apprehending the suspects after a search.
Idu described insecurity in the Niger Delta as “a tiger with its head in Bayelsa,” underscoring the police’s use of advanced strategies like geofencing to secure vulnerable areas.
“We’re tackling insecurity at its core to ensure peace across the region,” he stated, adding that collaboration with other security agencies remains key to keeping Bayelsa safe.
Reassuring residents, Idu emphasized that the state government, under Governor Douye Diri, has fully empowered security forces to combat crime decisively.
“Our goal is to keep criminals at bay and maintain Bayelsa as a peaceful haven,” he noted, urging citizens to continue providing timely information to bolster security efforts.”
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