The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 18 suspected criminals and recovered 47 firearms, 12 stolen vehicles and 420 rounds of live ammunition in a major operational offensive against violent crime across the state.

The command also recovered an additional five live cartridges, 11 cutlasses and other exhibits in operations conducted between June and August 2026.

The State Commissioner of Police disclosed this during a press briefing, where he said the command had intensified intelligence-led and community-oriented policing to dismantle criminal networks operating in Rivers State.

One of the major breakthroughs, according to the police, was the arrest of three suspected members of a gang allegedly responsible for the June 29 attack on police officers attached to the Aluu Division.

Two police officers were killed in the attack, while others sustained injuries, with one reportedly losing a leg. The assailants also escaped with two AK-47 rifles belonging to the police.

The police said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) and the command’s anti-kidnapping unit subsequently arrested three suspects identified as 34-year-old Maduabuchi Emeka, also known as “Doctor” and alleged gang leader; 42-year-old Chinepu Owo; and 28-year-old Kamachi Joe, described as the gang’s armourer.

According to the command, Joe allegedly led operatives to a hideout in Omogwa, where the two stolen AK-47 rifles were recovered.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend a fourth suspect allegedly linked to the attack, with a kidnapping syndicate smashed

The command also reported a major breakthrough against a kidnapping syndicate operating around Obiguluka and neighbouring communities.
Five suspects were initially arrested, including Ezekiel Emano, 44; Chukuma Mbanefu, 51; and Nikola Dalla, 65, alongside two others whose identities were not immediately disclosed.

The suspects allegedly confessed to kidnapping operations around Kunkum Railway, Obema and Afan communities.

Police said two additional suspects, identified as 35-year-old Anende Ogugu, described as an armourer, and 38-year-old Kenneth Eke, were arrested on July 27 in connection with the same network.

An AK-47 rifle and an SMG rifle were among the weapons recovered from the suspects.
97 rounds recovered from domestic violence suspect.

In another operation, police arrested 35-year-old Oguma Yeye Addison following a complaint by a woman identified as Mrs Vina Oguma, who allegedly accused him of threatening her with a firearm.

A search of the suspect’s residence reportedly led to the recovery of two Beretta pistols, 97 rounds of live ammunition and one live cartridge.

Further investigations into the case led to the arrest of Dagogo Abusi, 30, and Richard Pulafari, 33, who police said were being investigated for alleged armed robbery and cultism.

The command also arrested Dagi Ablelu, 40, and a 23-year-old suspect identified as Destini in connection with alleged armed robbery and cult-related activities.

Police said a locally fabricated cut-to-size pistol, a double-barrel pump-action gun and five live cartridges were recovered from the suspects.
One-chance syndicate targeted

The command disclosed that it had also arrested two alleged members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate, identified as 45-year-old Uche Samwe and 42-year-old Nkechi Amadi.

Both suspects, according to the police, confessed to their involvement in the crime, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.
The command appealed to victims of one-chance robberies to formally report such incidents instead of relying solely on social media posts.

The police said official reports would help investigators identify the operational patterns, locations and methods used by the syndicates.
Police intercept suspected car snatcher in military uniform.

Another major breakthrough came on August 10 when police officers on patrol along George Coskas reportedly intercepted a man identified as 49-year-old Andrew Atcalcy, who was allegedly dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in army colours.

Police said the suspect confessed that he was not a member of the armed forces.
Three suspected stolen vehicles were allegedly recovered from him, comprising two Toyota Hilux vehicles and a Toyota Corona Premium with registration number NY380ES.

The police said the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had been tampered with.
An axe and an item described by the police as a military accoutrement were also reportedly recovered from the suspect.

The command said investigations were continuing to establish the vehicles’ ownership and identify other members of the alleged car-snatching network.

 

The Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations against criminals and strengthen collaboration with sister security agencies, including the military, Department of State Services and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

He also urged parents and guardians to monitor their children and wards, particularly their friends and activities, while warning youths against cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery and internet fraud.

“Rivers State will not be a safe haven for criminals,” the police chief declared, stressing that the command would continue to pursue criminal networks, recover their weapons and ensure that suspects face prosecution in accordance with the law.

He commended police officers for their efforts and thanked residents and the media for providing information that had assisted ongoing operations.