RismadarVoice Reporters, April 14, 2026
The Rivers State Police Command says a coordinated joint security operation has led to the dislodgement of suspected criminal hideouts, the recovery of firearms and ammunition in parts of the state.
According to a statement issued by the Command, the operation was carried out in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, which involved a combined team of security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The operation, which took place on the 12th of April, 2026 at about 1:00 p.m., targeted suspected criminal camps in IPO and Igwuruta-Ali areas believed to be used for kidnapping and other criminal activities.
During the raid, security operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, 274 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four cartridges, native bulletproof materials, a large iron cutter, communication radios, and other items.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the recovered pump-action gun may be linked to a leader of a local vigilante group identified as OSPAC, who was allegedly previously abducted.
The Command further disclosed that the criminal camps were destroyed during the operation. One suspect was arrested at the scene, while others reportedly fled before the arrival of the security operatives.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and rescue any kidnapped victims connected to the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured residents of the Command’s commitment to sustaining security operations and protecting lives and property across the state.
He also urged members of the public to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing security efforts.
Emergency contact lines have been released by the Command for public assistance and rapid response.
