The Rivers State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of two police officers, following the arrest of three suspected members of the gang allegedly responsible for the deadly attack and the recovery of the officers’ stolen service rifles.
The suspects including Maduabuchi Emeka, popularly known as “Doctor,” 34, from Egbata Community in Omoku Local Government Area; Chinedu Owhor, 42, an indigene of Akabuka, Omoku LGA, resident in Aluu Community; and Kamachi Joe, 28, also from Egbata Community, Omoku LGA; were apprehended by operatives of the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU) after weeks of intelligence-led investigations and tactical operations.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, who disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday, said the arrests followed the gruesome attack on June 29, 2026, when the officers came under assault while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation within the Aluu Division area.
According to the statement, one of the officers sustained a severe gunshot injury to his leg, which was later amputated, but he eventually succumbed to the injury. The second officer was also killed during the attack, while the assailants escaped with the victims’ service AK-47 rifles.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, immediately visited the Aluu Division and directed the deployment of all operational and intelligence assets of the Command to ensure the arrest of those responsible and the recovery of the stolen firearms.
The directive, the police said, triggered sustained intelligence-driven operations by the VCRU, culminating in the arrest of the three suspects.
Police said exhibits recovered during the operation included three AK-47 rifles and one Scorpion rifle. The recovered AK-47 rifles include the two service weapons earlier stolen from the slain officers.
Investigators also disclosed that the suspects had allegedly made useful statements linking themselves to other murder cases currently under investigation by the Command, a development expected to broaden ongoing criminal investigations.
The police added that efforts had been intensified to apprehend a fourth member of the gang, who remains on the run, assuring that the suspect would be tracked down and brought to justice.
Commending the operatives for what he described as professionalism, courage, gallantry and unwavering dedication, Adepoju said the breakthrough underscored the Command’s determination to ensure that those who attack police personnel or perpetrate violent crimes have no hiding place in Rivers State.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, aimed at protecting lives and property while ensuring that criminal elements are identified, arrested and prosecuted.
The Commissioner warned individuals involved in criminal activities to abandon their unlawful acts or face the full weight of the law, stressing that Rivers State would not serve as a sanctuary for criminals.
He also appealed to residents to continue partnering with the police by providing timely and credible information capable of supporting ongoing efforts to combat crime and strengthen security across the state.
