The Rivers State Police Command has successfully neutralized a notorious criminal, David Uzoma Kamalu, widely known by his alias, M-Kaze, during a tactical raid on a suspected criminal hideout located in Rumuodogu 1 Community, Emohua Local Government Area.
M-Kaze, a dreaded kidnapper and murderer, had long terrorized residents and commuters along the East-West Road corridor with his syndicate’s violent activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development in an official statement released on Thursday. She revealed that the operation was conducted by highly trained operatives from the Rumuji Division of the Rivers State Police Command. The raid was the culmination of several days of intensive intelligence gathering aimed at dismantling the criminal network led by M-Kaze.
According to SP Iringe-Koko, the operation commenced at approximately 1:00 AM on May 25th. Upon arrival at the hideout, police officers were met with fierce armed resistance from gang members, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
In the ensuing confrontation, M-Kaze was fatally shot and neutralized by the police, while several other members of his gang managed to escape, albeit with varying degrees of bullet wounds.
A meticulous search of the hideout following the gun battle led to the recovery of several incriminating exhibits. Among the items seized were a pump-action shotgun, two live cartridges, and various local charms believed to be used by the gang for protection and to intimidate victims.
These items have been carefully documented and preserved as crucial evidence for ongoing investigations and future prosecution.
SP Iringe-Koko further described the deceased suspect as a high-value target, emphasizing his notorious reputation for orchestrating heinous crimes against innocent citizens.
Due to his involvement in multiple kidnappings, armed robberies, and other violent offenses, a bounty had previously been placed on M-Kaze’s head by the then Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area. This underscored the significant threat he posed to the safety and security of the local community.
M-Kaze was also wanted by law enforcement for his alleged role in the gruesome murder and beheading of a local security operative known as “Hunter Commander,” Mr. Alete, in January 2025. His gang’s continued reign of terror along the East-West Road had instilled fear in residents and disrupted the peace of the area.
The police spokesperson assured the public that the investigation into the gang’s activities is ongoing. Efforts are being intensified to track down and apprehend the fleeing members of the criminal syndicate.
She appealed to the public to remain vigilant and encouraged anyone with information or knowledge of suspicious individuals, especially those bearing gunshot wounds, to promptly report to the nearest security agency.
Concluding the statement, SP Iringe-Koko reiterated the Rivers State Police Commissioner, CP Olugbenga Adepoju’s commitment to safeguarding public safety and security.
She affirmed that the police command would continue to deploy necessary resources and strategic operations to bring all perpetrators of crime in the state to justice, thereby restoring peace and order to the affected communities.