The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspects and recovered two rifles stolen during the November 12, 2025 attack on police personnel at Tonninno Filling Station along Elioparanwo Road, Port Harcourt, in what authorities describe as a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
Confirming the development, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, said the arrests were made following a direct order from the Commissioner of Police for a full-scale probe into the incident.
Iringe-Koko stated: “The Commissioner of Police directed operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the investigation and ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators and recovery of the stolen arms.”
Acting on this directive, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) deployed intelligence-led policing techniques and technical support tools to track down suspects linked to the attack. Their efforts led to the arrest of four men directly connected to the incident and the recovery of the two stolen rifles.
The arrested suspects include: Ansalem Paul (45), from Mbaise LGA, Imo State, Supurchi Ejiofor, also known as Emejaka (48), from Bende LGA, Abia State, Bright Nwabueze, also known as Bishop (58), from Umuahia South LGA, Abia State and Utibe Sunday (24), from Ika LGA, Akwa Ibom State
The Command also identified Ebuka Reuben (32) of Ebonyi State as the mastermind and leader of the attack.
During preliminary questioning, the suspects reportedly confessed voluntarily to their roles in the coordinated assault. Police investigations further revealed that the group had been linked to multiple previous crimes across Rivers State.
Iringe-Koko added: “The suspects and the recovered rifles are in custody. They are cooperating with investigators, and efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing gang members and recover additional operational weapons.”
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the swift response and professionalism of the operatives, assuring the public that the Command remains committed to rooting out criminal elements across the state.
According to Iringe-Koko, “The CP has reiterated the Command’s resolve to spread its tentacles across all nooks and crannies of Rivers State to ensure perpetrators of crime are brought to justice.” The Rivers State Police Command has urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security efforts through timely information
