Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested five persons and recovered three locally fabricated pump-action rifles during a raid on an alleged illegal security outfit operating in Sakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of the state.

The Command said the suspects were arrested on May 6, 2026, during an intelligence-led operation carried out by operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID).

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, the operation targeted a group allegedly operating under the guise of a “Civilian Joint Taskforce.”

Those arrested were identified as Precious Mene, 31, from Gokana Local Government Area; Blessing Felix, 25, from Sagbama Local Government Area; Barine Gaviga, 32, from Gokana Local Government Area; Joy Ndornyie, 26, from Tai Local Government Area; and Muhammed Ibrahim, 35, from Jigawa State.

The police said three locally fabricated pump-action rifles were recovered from the suspects during the operation.

The statement noted that preliminary investigations revealed that the group was allegedly operating unlawfully under the pretext of providing 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 government-approved security agency in Rivers State.

“The Rivers State Police Command wishes to categorically state 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 within Rivers State,” the statement read.

The police further reiterated that no civilian is permitted by law to bear or possess firearms without lawful authorisation, warning that individuals or groups involved in illegal security activities or unlawful possession of arms would face prosecution.

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 unlawful groups to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.

The Command said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full scope of the group’s activities and identify other possible illegal operations within the state.

Meanwhile, residents were urged to remain vigilant and continue to support the police with credible information to aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain public safety.