The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious armed robber and recovered multiple firearms and live ammunition in a fresh intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing violent crime across the state.

The suspect, identified as Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo,” was apprehended by police operatives at Aluu Village following what the command described as credible intelligence.

Items recovered from the suspect include one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns and five live cartridges.

The command, in a statement issued on Monday by its spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said the operation was carried out in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, as part of sustained efforts to rid Rivers State of criminal elements.

 

According to the statement, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is linked to a wider criminal network operating within the state.

It added that investigators are currently pursuing fresh 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 Adepoju praised their courage, professionalism and dedication to duty, reaffirming the command’s commitment to ensuring criminals have no hiding place in Rivers State.

“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,” the commissioner said.

He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious by reporting suspicious persons, movements and activities to the police, stressing that public cooperation and timely intelligence are critical to the fight against crime.

The police said the latest arrest forms part of ongoing efforts by the command to strengthen security and sustain the crackdown on armed robbery and other violent crimes across Rivers State.