Police: How officers killed notorious, merciless sea pirate in Rivers

The Rivers police command says its operatives have killed one John Togo, a “notorious and high-profile sea pirate” in the state.

Briefing journalists on Monday at the command in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers, Olatunji Disu, commissioner of police in the state, said Togo was involved in sea piracy, kidnapping, and arms trafficking.

The police commissioner said Togo was a “significant threat to coastal communities” in Rivers, 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,” Disu said. 

“He operated illegal oil bunkering camps, engaged in arms trafficking, and was responsible for numerous heinous acts such as ambushes, murders, and robberies. 

“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.

“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 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 N2.5 million, 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.”

The police commissioner added that Togo was planning to ambush security personnel patrolling the Bille-Degema-Okrika waterways with speedboats to seize their weapons, when he was killed.

“Cornered and outnumbered, Togo and his accomplices engaged in a firefight, resulting in Togo’s death and the recovery of his body,” Disu added. 

Disu said the killing of Togo, the “merciless sea pirate”, shows the commitment of the Rivers police command to protecting lives and property.

The police commissioner said the “successful operation” sends a “clear message” that lawlessness and impunity would not be tolerated in Rivers.