Tina Amanda
The Rivers State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities in the state. Two separate operations conducted on January 25, 2025, led to significant arrests and recovery of stolen items and other incriminating materials.
At around 1:00 AM, officers of the Rumuji Division, during a routine stop-and-search operation along the East-West Road, intercepted a black Toyota Sienna with registration number ABIA, APR 455 HW. The vehicle, driven by one Frank Ukpebitere, was found to be carrying 2,000 tons of 48 VDC Power System Cabinets belonging to Airtel Telecommunications Company.
The suspect could not provide any valid documentation or explanation for transporting the items, which are suspected to have been stolen. Both the vehicle and the recovered items have been impounded as investigations continue.
In a separate operation, at about 2:30 PM, operatives from the Hawk Unit acted on credible intelligence to raid a criminal hideout at Blessing Street, Kom-Kom, in Oyigbo Local Government Area. The raid led to the arrest of four suspects:
- Peter Victor, 38, from Una Eket, Akwa Ibom State.
- Joshua Ibe, 25, from Amadugba, Orlu LGA, Imo State.
- Shedrack David, 22, from Ikotumoesen, Eseni Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
- Joseph Acholam, 23, from Arochukwu LGA, Abia State.
Items recovered from the suspects include a round of 7.62×51mm live ammunition and containers with liquid substances suspected to be hard drugs.
During interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate responsible for various illegal activities in Oyigbo and its environs. The police are leveraging the information obtained to track other members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
The Rivers State Police Command has reassured residents of its dedication to maintaining law and order. Members of the public are urged to provide timely and accurate information to assist law enforcement in their efforts to ensure safety across the state.