The Rivers State Police Command says its operatives gunned down suspects during investigation into the kidnap and murder of Hope Georgewill, the Chief Executive Officer of HMG Attitude Ltd.

Georgewill, who was abducted weeks ago alongside two others along the Cawthorne Channel II along the Bakana River in Asari-Toru LGA of Rivers State, was later allegedly killed by his assailants after collecting ransom for him.

Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 that Police operatives came under heavy fire from the criminals, prompting a fierce gun battle.

She stated that in a fresh development, Police operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua, acting on intelligence from two earlier arrested suspects in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, stormed the pirates’ hideout in a creek off the Bonny Waterway in the early hours of April 3, 2025.

Two suspects were killed on the spot, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. The two initial suspects, who had led the team to the hideout, attempted to flee during the exchange but were later apprehended, also with gunshot injuries.

All four wounded suspects were rushed to the Police Clinic but were confirmed dead on arrival by medical personnel. Their bodies have since been deposited for autopsy.

A sweep of the crime scene led to the recovery of a speedboat, two outboard engines (80 and 70 horsepower), the deceased’s mobile phone (without SIM), one live cartridge, and food items used by the kidnappers.

Georgewill, whose tragic death shocked many, had been taken by a gang of sea pirates led by Preye Ngian-Ngian, a native of Degema Local Government Area, on March 26, 2025.

Despite a ransom payment of ₦2 million, his lifeless body was later recovered and deposited in the morgue, sparking public outrage and calls for justice.

Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the operatives for their bravery and assured the public that the command remains dedicated to purging Rivers State’s waterways of criminal elements.

Hope Georgewill’s kidnap and murder had earlier sparked concern across the business and civil society community, with many recalling that he was taken alongside a few others who have since regained freedom.

His death, despite the ransom paid, adds to the tragic list of unresolved insecurity cases in the region.

The Police say investigations are still ongoing, and more updates will be provided as they unfold.