Photo: Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju
By Deborah Nnamdi
The Rivers State Police Command has achieved significant successes in its ongoing fight against crime, with recent operations producing remarkable results.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, revealed that between January and August 2025, the command recovered a substantial arsenal of weapons, including 21 AK-47 rifles, 66 locally fabricated firearms, and over 8,000 rounds of ammunition.
CP Adepoju, who showcased the seized items during the briefing, also disclosed the recovery of 115 vehicles, among them 19 stolen vehicles linked to a car-snatching syndicate.
“In recent months, the Rivers State Police Command, in close collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), DSS, and other critical security stakeholders, has made notable progress in its ongoing operations to reduce crime across the state,” he stated.
He emphasized that this joint effort has led to intensified crackdowns on violent crimes, resulting in the arrest of numerous suspects for serious offences including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, human trafficking, and murder. Several critical exhibits were also recovered during these operations.
Among the notable cases highlighted was the arrest of 12 suspects involved in the vandalism of an oil-spilled well in the Kpean community. Recovered items included three GXI Dynatrac con units and øthree suspected explosive devices.
In another major operation, CP Adepoju led the arrest of seven suspects linked to the murder of Barrister Bright Owhor. Recovered evidence included an MTN SIM card, four locally made pistols, seven rounds of 9mm ammunition, two live cartridges, a minibus, and a Toyota Camry.
The Commissioner also announced the dismantling of an interstate car-snatching syndicate, with 11 suspects apprehended and 19 stolen vehicles recovered.
Additionally, two known cultists were arrested with one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and ten rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
In a separate operation targeting sea piracy, a suspect was apprehended at the Eresekiri fishing port in Abonnema for threatening violence. Seized items included one LAR rifle, 19 live rounds, a pump-action gun with a live cartridge, and a wrap of dynamite.
Reaffirming the command’s dedication, like CP Adepoju assured the public of the Police’s commitment to maintaining peace and security. He also urged citizens to support security agencies by providing credible information to aid ongoing efforts.
Ahead of the forthcoming local government elections, authorities have assured residents of robust security arrangements, including the deployment of adequate personnel across the state to ensure a safe and peaceful electoral process.
