The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled an illegal security outfit operating under the name “Civilian Joint Taskforce” in Tai Local Government Area of the state, arresting five suspects, including three women, and recovering three locally fabricated pump-action rifles.
The command said the operation followed the recent directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, ordering a nationwide crackdown on illegal arms and criminal groups.
In a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Blessing Agabe, said operatives of the State Intelligence Department acted on credible intelligence and carried out a targeted operation on May 6, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m. in Sakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area.
According to the police, the operation led to the dismantling of the illegal group, which was allegedly operating under the guise of providing security services.
The suspects arrested were identified as Precious Mene, 31, from Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State; Blessing Felix, 25, from Sagbama Local Government Area of Bayelsa State; Barine Gaviga, 32, from Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State; Joy Ndornyie, 26, from Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State; and Muhammed Ibrahim, 35, from Jigawa State.
Police said three locally made pump-action rifles were recovered from the suspects during the raid.
Preliminary investigations, according to the command, revealed that the group had been operating unlawfully under the pretense of offering security services.
The command stressed that there is no recognised or legally authorised security outfit known as “Civilian Joint Taskforce” operating under the authority of the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security agency in Rivers State.
The police further warned that no civilian is permitted by law to possess or operate firearms without lawful authorisation, adding that anyone involved in illegal security activities or unlawful possession of arms would face prosecution in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and the protection of lives and property across the state.
He also warned criminal elements and unauthorised groups to desist from unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law, while urging residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies with timely and credible information.
The police said investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the group’s operations and identify any other illegal security formations in the state.
