The Rivers Coalition for Human Rights (RCHR) has petitioned the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj. Gen. Chris Musa, over rising criminal activities in Ahoada East Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State.
In the petition titled “Persistent, targeted attacks on Nigerian soldiers by cultists and oil bunkers in Ahoada East LG of Rivers State,” the group warned that unchecked activities of cultists and oil thieves in Othe kporowo community pose a serious security threat.
A report indicated that the petition was signed by RCHR officials Derefaka Green, Ndamzh Amadi, and Hannah Nikade, the petition detailed a February 10, 2025, attack on soldiers by armed criminals led by a man known as ‘General’ Junior Prince Nsirim.
Recalled that on 10 February TCPN reported that traditional ruler condemned the shooting of soldiers and warned against compromising kingdom securities.
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The assailants injured soldiers, while the troops killed one of the gang members, Nibi Okpara (aka Blacky).
The group noted this was not the first such attack, citing a July 21, 2023, ambush where the gang, dressed in military uniforms, stole rifles from soldiers.
The petitioners described Nsirim’s group as a well-armed gang of over 200 men involved in kidnapping, assassination, illegal oil bunkering, gun running, and other crimes.
They called on the defense chief to take urgent action, as local military outposts have failed to curb the situation.
RCHR emphasized that the gang’s activities not only endanger residents but also threaten Nigeria’s oil revenue. They urged the military to intervene and restore order in Ahoada East LGA.
