Police commands in Rivers and Adamawa states have intensified operations against violent crime, with Rivers State Police Command reporting the arrest of 18 suspects and the recovery of 47 firearms, 12 stolen vehicles and 420 rounds of live ammunition, while the Adamawa Command investigates separate cases involving young men accused of attacking their parents.

In Rivers, the State Commissioner of Police said the command had intensified intelligence-led and community-oriented policing to dismantle criminal networks and prevent violent crimes across the state.

The command said its operations between June and August 2026 also resulted in the recovery of five additional live cartridges, 11 cutlasses and other exhibits.

One of the major breakthroughs 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. One officer reportedly lost a leg, while the assailants escaped with two AK-47 rifles belonging to the police.

The police said operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit subsequently arrested 34-year-old Maduabuchi Emeka, also known as “Doctor” and described as the alleged gang leader; 42-year-old Chinepu Owo; and 28-year-old Kamachi Joe, alleged to be the gang’s armourer.

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

Efforts were ongoing to arrest a fourth suspect allegedly linked to the attack.

The command also reported a breakthrough against a kidnapping syndicate allegedly operating around Obiguluka and neighbouring communities.

Five suspects were initially arrested, including 44-year-old Ezekiel Emano, 51-year-old Chukuma Mbanefu and 65-year-old Nikola Dalla, alongside two others whose identities were not disclosed.

Police said the suspects allegedly confessed to kidnapping operations around Kunkum Railway, Obema and Afan communities.

Two other suspects, 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 a submachine gun were recovered from them, according to the police.

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

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

Further investigations resulted in 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 40-year-old Dagi Ablelu and a 23-year-old suspect identified as Destini in connection with alleged armed robbery and cult-related activities.

A locally fabricated cut-to-size pistol, a double-barrel pump-action gun and five live cartridges were reportedly recovered.

The police also disclosed the arrest of two alleged members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate, identified as 45-year-old Uche Samwe and 42-year-old Nkechi Amadi.

The suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the crime, while efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.

The command urged victims of one-chance robberies to make formal reports rather than relying solely on social media posts, saying official complaints would assist investigators in identifying the syndicates’ operational patterns, locations and methods.

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

Police said Atcalcy confessed that he was not a member of the armed forces.

Three suspected stolen vehicles—two Toyota Hilux vehicles and a Toyota Corona Premium with registration number NY380ES were allegedly recovered from him.

The police said the chassis and engine numbers of the vehicles had been tampered with.

An axe and an item described as military accoutrement were also recovered, while investigations continued to establish the ownership of the vehicles and identify other members of the alleged car-snatching network.

The Rivers Commissioner of Police assured residents that the command would sustain intelligence-driven operations and strengthen collaboration with 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 commissioner said, assuring residents that the command would continue to pursue criminal networks, recover their weapons and ensure that suspects face prosecution in accordance with the law.

Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, the police are investigating a disturbing series of incidents involving young men accused of attacking their parents.

Although security operatives have recorded progress in tackling crimes such as theft and armed robbery in the state, recent cases involving alleged violence against parents have raised fresh concerns.

One of the cases involved 32-year-old Peter Michael Sinamai, a resident of Sangere Quarters in Gombi Local Council, who was arrested for allegedly killing his biological father and dumping his remains in a well.

According to the Adamawa State Police Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Yahaya Nguroje, the suspect allegedly dumped the body in an attempt to conceal the crime.

Nguroje said police operatives moved swiftly after receiving a complaint from a good Samaritan in the community, leading to Sinamai’s arrest.

He said the suspect would be charged to court after the conclusion of interrogation and other aspects of the investigation, adding that he would also undergo medical examination.

Another case was reported in Mayo-Belwa Local Council where 20-year-old John Mamud was arrested following an allegation of violence involving his mother at their residence in Konan Kuka.

Mamud, while speaking at the police command headquarters in Yola, admitted to the incident and appealed for forgiveness.

He attributed the confrontation to anger and longstanding tensions within the family.

He alleged that there had been persistent disagreements involving his father and his wife, saying the situation had contributed to his anger.

Mamud also said he had returned home tired and under the influence of alcohol and drugs when the confrontation occurred.

He expressed regret over his actions and pleaded for forgiveness from his family and the wider society.

The police said investigations into the matter were ongoing and that the suspect would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.

The Adamawa Command condemned all forms of domestic violence and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable members of families, particularly women and elderly people.

It urged residents to report domestic violence and other threats within families to the police before disagreements escalate into more serious incidents.

The cases in both states underscore the importance of intelligence gathering, early intervention and community cooperation in preventing violence.

While the Rivers Command continues its offensive against organised criminal networks, the Adamawa police are grappling with a different but equally troubling challenge violence emerging within the family, where homes are expected to provide safety and protection.