The Rivers State Police Command has killed John Togo the Second, a suspected notorious and high-profile criminal involved in sea piracy, kidnapping, and arms trafficking.
Police say John Togo is a significant threat to coastal communities in Rivers State, particularly along Bonny-Port Harcourt, Okrika, and Andoni waterways.
John Togo is the ‘Anchor Head’ of the Iceland Confraternity.
He orchestrated a reign of terror, causing fear and devastation among residents and boat passengers.
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Togo operated illegal oil bunkering camps, engaged in arms trafficking, and was responsible for numerous heinous crimes such as ambushes, murders, and robberies.
In an exclusive update made available to ait.live John Togo’s criminal career began in the Borikiri area of Port Harcourt, where he initially engaged in cult-related activities.
Gradually, he graduated from petty crimes and evolved into a full-fledged kidnapper and sea pirate, assembling a gang of ruthless criminals along the way.
Adopting the alias of ex-militant John Togo, who had been killed in July 2011, he and his gang gained notoriety in 2021 due to their involvement in a series of sea piracy and kidnappings, which ignited the #EndSeaPiracy protests and campaigns that reverberated throughout Bonny Island in January 2021.
One of the most brazen acts committed by John Togo was the ambush and subsequent murder of four members of a sister security agency on the 1st of November 2023 along the Bakana River in Degema Local Government Area.
Notably, he was planning to ambush security personnel patrolling the Bille-Degema-Okrika waterways with speedboats to seize their weapons before he was neutralized.
Throughout his criminal career, John Togo engaged in numerous shootouts with the Marine Police, Nigerian Army, and NSCDC, displaying his utter disregard for law enforcement and public safety.
In one of such encounter on the 17th of July 2023, Togo engaged security forces in a shootout, compelling them to abandon their gunboat.
Despite previous encounters with security forces, John Togo continued to elude capture.
He targeted commercial boats, mercilessly killing drivers and throwing passengers into the sea as he stole the vessels.
The turning point came when John Togo abducted Precious George, the Youth Leader of Ibifara Polo, on the 30th of May 2023.
After holding George captive for twelve days and receiving a ransom of 2.5 million Naira, Togo’s face was unveiled, setting the police on his trail.
Acting on credible intelligence, the Rivers State Police Command, in collaboration with the C4i intelligence unit and the Borikiri Police Division, launched an operation to apprehend Togo and his gang.
Cornered and outnumbered, Togo and his accomplices engaged in a firefight, resulting in Togo’s death and the recovery of his body.
The commissioner of Police in the state, Tunji Disu, comfirmed the neutralization of John Togo.
Disu described John Togo as a merciless sea pirate.
The state Police head underscored the commitment of the Rivers State Police Command to protect lives and property.
In his words, ” We assure the public that we will continue to work tirelessly to rid Rivers State of criminal elements. This successful operation sends a clear message that lawlessness and impunity will not be tolerated.
We extend our gratitude to all the officers involved in this operation for their bravery and professionalism.
Our condolences go to the families and loved ones of the victims who suffered at the hands of John Togo.
The Rivers State Police Command will maintain close collaboration with other security agencies and stakeholders to ensure a safe and secure environment for all. Together, we will prevail against criminal elements and build a peaceful and prosperous society.”
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
