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By Oscar Okhifo, Abuja
Manhunt Launched for Fleeing Gang Members
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have neutralized a notorious kidnapper, identified as David Uzoma Kamalu, popularly known as M-Kaze, during a tactical raid.
The operation also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, and voodoo charms from the gang’s hideout.
A manhunt has now been launched for fleeing members of the gang, some of whom are believed to have escaped with gunshot injuries.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Rivers State Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the operation was the result of several days of intelligence gathering and surveillance. The hideout was located in Rumuodogu 1 Community, Emohua Local Government Area of the state.
SP Iringe-Koko said, “In a daring operation, on the 25th of May, 2025, operatives from the Rumuji Division of the Rivers State Police Command neutralized a suspected notorious kidnapper and murderer, David Uzoma Kamalu, ‘m’ a.k.a. M-Kaze and recovered exhibits in a tactical raid on a suspected criminal hideout in Rumuodogu 1 Community, Emohua Local Government Area.”
She explained that the operation, which began around 1:00 a.m., was the result of “intensive intelligence gathering,” demonstrating 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,” she said.
A search of the gang’s hideout yielded a cache of items, including:
One pump-action shotgun
Two live cartridges
Various local charms believed to be used for protection and intimidation.
SP Iringe-Koko noted that the deceased suspect was the mastermind behind the brutal murder and beheading of a local vigilante leader, popularly known as Hunter Commander, Mr. Alete, in January 2025. She added that M-Kaze was also responsible for numerous high-profile kidnappings and armed robberies along the East-West Road corridor.
“The deceased suspect, M-Kaze, was a high-value target with a notorious reputation for orchestrating heinous crimes against innocent citizens,” she said.
“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. This declaration underscores the significant threats he has posed to the safety and security of the community.”
SP Iringe-Koko added: “He was declared wanted by law enforcement agencies for his involvement in the gruesome murder (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.”
She confirmed that investigations are ongoing and assured that efforts are being intensified to apprehend the fleeing gang members.
The Force urged members of the public to report anyone with gunshot wounds or suspicious behavior to the nearest security agency.
“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,” Iringe-Koko added.
Reaffirming the force’s commitment to public safety, she stated,
“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, wishes to assures the public that the Command’s commitment to ensuring public safety and security is unwavering . Efforts are ongoing to apprehend and bring to justice all perpetrators of crime in the state.” she said.