Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command’s HAWK Tactical Team on Tuesday foiled an armed robbery operation, recovering a firearm, ammunition, and operational motorcycles.

A statement by the Command’s Spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, on Wednesday indicated that the incident occurred on May 15, 2025, at Igbo Etche Junction, where a group of armed hoodlums had blocked the road and were robbing unsuspecting members of the public.

She noted that upon receiving a distress call at 1840 hours, the HAWK Decoy Team swiftly mobilized and responded to the scene.

She explained that the hoodlums fled into the nearby bush upon sighting the police, abandoning some of their operational items during a hot pursuit.

The police recovered two operational motorcycles (black Opel Sum and black Quilink); One European high-quality Emerald 12-gauge pump-action rifle; and three cartridges (two live AAA cartridges and one expended AAA cartridge)

Iringe-Koko further explained that the hoodlums escaped into the forest, but the recovered items have been secured as exhibits.

She noted that the police are intensifying efforts to apprehend the fleeing members of the notorious robbery syndicate, recover additional operational weapons, and gather further intelligence on their activities.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, and efforts will continue to bring perpetrators to justice. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” she said.