The Rivers State Police Command has recorded major breakthroughs in its fight against crime, arresting 33 suspects linked to violent offences and recovering a cache of arms, ammunition, explosives, and 115 stolen vehicles.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, disclosed this during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Thursday, stressing that the successes were achieved through sustained synergy with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, NSCDC, and other security stakeholders.
“Upon my assumption of office as the 47th Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, I pledged to lead with strategy, professionalism, and collaboration. Today, I am proud to say that these efforts are yielding tangible results, with criminals being brought to justice and dangerous weapons taken off our streets,” Adepoju said.
Among the notable cases highlighted was the arrest of 12 suspected oil facility vandals in Kpean community on August 10, 2025, where explosives were also recovered.
Similarly, seven men linked to the murder of Barrister Bright Owhor in July were apprehended, with police recovering locally made pistols, ammunition, and vehicles used in the crime.
The police also dismantled an interstate car-snatching syndicate, arresting 11 suspects including a self-proclaimed pastor and a dismissed security personnel, leading to the recovery of 19 stolen vehicles.
In another operation, notorious cultists terrorising Gokana and Igbo-Etche were arrested, with an AK-47 rifle, magazines, and ammunition seized.In the fight against sea piracy, operatives apprehended one suspect at Abonnema on August 25, 2025, recovering an LAR rifle, a pump-action gun, live ammunition, and dynamite.
Adepoju noted that between January and August 2025 alone, the Command recovered 21 AK-47 rifles, 66 locally made guns, 8,000 rounds of ammunition, 34 pump-action guns, eight explosives, and 115 vehicles.
“These arrests and recoveries reflect our determination to dismantle criminal networks and safeguard Rivers State, especially as we approach the chairmanship and councillorship elections,” the CP stated.
“We urge members of the public to partner with us by providing credible information that will aid our work. Together, we can make Rivers State safer for all.”
The Rivers State Police Command assured residents that it remains committed to sustaining the momentum against crime while reinforcing public confidence in law enforcement.
