The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang and recovered two AK-47 rifles, other firearms and 58 rounds of live ammunition in an intelligence-led operation.
The arrests followed credible intelligence received on October 4, 2026, according to the command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, who disclosed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Kaborlo said preliminary investigations had linked the suspects to several alleged armed robbery and kidnapping incidents in Choba, Elele Alimini, Emohua and Rumuekpe communities in Rivers State.
She added that the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the robbery and killing of one Joseph Onyeka in Rumuji community on July 23, 2026.
The suspects were also allegedly linked to an attack on a police checkpoint along the East-West Road, near Elele Alimini Junction, on August 4, during which a police inspector identified as Womoma was shot.
According to the police spokesperson, the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, led a team of operatives to Rumuekpe community in Emohua Local Government Area at about 4 p.m. on October 4.
The operation formed part of the command’s intensified efforts to dismantle criminal networks and curb violent crimes across the state.
The four suspects were identified as Chinemerem Uchewo, from Rumuekpe community in Emohua LGA; Michael Ishaka, from Adabor community in Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State; Abdulahi George, from Oduoha community in Emohua LGA; and Gideon Okah, from Elele Alimini community in Emohua LGA.
Kaborlo disclosed that Okah was subsequently arrested in Owerri, Imo State.
Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one English-made double-barrel rifle, one locally made revolver pistol and 58 rounds of live ammunition.
The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the suspected gang and ensure that anyone found to be connected with the alleged offences was brought to justice.
The Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism and commitment to tackling violent crime in Rivers State.
The command reaffirmed its determination to sustain intelligence-driven operations against armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal activities, while calling on residents to provide credible information that could assist security agencies.
The suspects’ alleged involvement in the crimes remains subject to investigation and judicial determination.
Leave a comment