Operatives of the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) led by DCP, Tunji Disu, have apprehended an eight-man robbery gang, who have been on their wanted list along Port Harcourt and Akwa Ibom state.
The gang, who have become a threat to society, most especially in the aforementioned states, are known for hijacking and robbing petrol stations, gas plants, and bank Automated Teller Machines (ATM) facilities.
Their arrest was made possible after an intelligent tip off from the public which saw the IRT immediately swift into action. The suspect who was paraded alongside his gang members by the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, at the IRT headquarters in Abuja, told Sunday Sun of how they used the expertise of a welder to open ATM facilities, especially those of them that are very strong and removed every kobo in them.
The group headed by Ebhure Napoleon, 45, a former employee of an oil servicing company and a native of Delta State, has been terrorizing business owners for over four years before they met their waterloo.
Speaking after his arrest, Napoleon said that they specialized in breaking into petrol stations, gas plants, and bank ATM machines.
“My name is Napoleon Ebhubere. I am 45 years old and I am a mechanic by profession. I and my gang members specialized in breaking into petrol stations, gas plants, and bank ATM machines. We started robbing about four years ago. I was arrested by the police because we were caught breaking into a petrol station in Port Harcourt and stealing engine oil from there.
“Apart from robbing petrol stations, we also rob gas stations where they use to fill gas and also cart away huge sums of money. I started the business in 2019 after I lost my job. I was working with Nek Oil and Gas servicing company as a mechanic. I worked with them for two years. Even though I have been operating as an armed robber for about four years now, I cannot say the specific amount I made because we do not do it regularly. We use to do it and stop and wait for the coast to clear before we start again.
“During my operation, we broke into about 15 petrol stations and I can’t say how much we made but the last petrol station we broke and stole fuel we sold the product for N800,000. And we shared the money among ourselves. I used my own share to pay for my children’s school fees, then we used the remaining money for feeding. I am from Delta State and I am based in Port Harcourt, I live at Ada George. My family is in Port Harcourt. I was arrested at a hotel where they tracked me to. I did not use my money to carry women, I used it to take care of my family.
“I was robbing only petrol stations until some group of boys introduced me into robbing ATM, that was in 2019. The group headed by one Bobby, Samuel, and one Daniel from Rumuosi, popularly known as Dada boy, taught me the techniques and after I mastered the act, I overthrew him and took over as leader. Our first attack was at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. But I later heard that the IRT arrested Daniel during a robbery operation so since then I have not heard from him.
“As the leader, I ensured that my boys go out on surveillance to look for petrol stations where they have enough supply of fuel and then they get back to me to tell me their findings. After getting their information, I will personally visit the station to confirm their observation and when I am convinced that the station actually has enough supply, we will then make arrangements for trucks to go and steal the fuel and I am the one that usually looks for buyers to buy the stolen fuel.
“I am married with four kids. I am not happy about where I find myself because I know it is not a good example for my children. My family is not aware that I am a thief.”
