By Deborah Nnamdi
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber, Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo,” and recovered firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
The command described the arrest as a breakthrough in its ongoing campaign against violent crime, stating that the operation was carried out based on credible intelligence.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.
According to the statement, the operation was conducted in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju.
“The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another major operational success in its relentless campaign against violent crime, with the arrest of a suspected armed robber and the recovery of multiple firearms and live ammunition in a targeted intelligence-led operation,” the statement read.
Police said items recovered from the suspect include one locally made pistol, four single-barreled guns, and five live cartridges.
The command added that preliminary investigations have linked the suspect to a wider criminal network operating within the state.
Investigators are currently pursuing leads to identify and arrest other members of the gang, while also working to uncover the full extent of their criminal activities.
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime through intelligence-driven policing.
“This arrest and the recovery of these dangerous weapons underscore our resolve to proactively tackle violent crime and protect the law-abiding people of Rivers State. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations until criminal elements are completely rooted out,” he said.
The police commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities, stressing that public cooperation and credible intelligence remain essential to enhancing security across the state.
