The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of twelve suspects following a harrowing assault on Unity Estate, situated at Mbodo–Aluu along the Airport Road, which left residents in a state of profound distress.
The incident, which occurred on the 5th of January, 2025, involved a coordinated invasion by suspected members of the OSPAC vigilante group and a contingent of hired mercenaries. Armed with pump-action shotguns and cutlasses, the assailants reportedly discharged their firearms indiscriminately, forcing residents to seek refuge as chaos descended upon the quiet enclave.
A formal statement issued by the Command’s Spokesperson, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Grace Iringe-Koko, detailed the extent of the carnage. The incursion resulted in significant damage to private property and several motor vehicles.
Tragically, one resident identified as Apostle Stephen Nmacha of the Rumuekini Community sustained a gunshot wound to the leg before being forcibly abducted by the marauders. In a swift response, operatives from the Choba Division, bolstered by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and various Tactical Teams, launched a rescue mission. They successfully recovered Apostle Nmacha and transported him to a medical facility, where he remains under professional care.
The Police Command has released the identities of the twelve individuals currently in custody:
- Chinedu Nnodim, Joel Wopara, and Wopara Iyke.
- Henry Godwin Orumere, Chidi Herbert, and Wobe Ginikanwa.
- Bright Ezekiel, Ibuchi Choice Wali Ogba, and Okechukwu Igwe.
- John Chukwudi, Chi Ezekwu, and Clement Bassey.
During the apprehension, officers recovered a formidable cache of exhibits, including an automatic pump-action shotgun, both live and spent cartridges, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses, and a Toyota Sienna van.
Intelligence gathered by the police suggests that the operation was spearheaded by the Akpor OSPAC Commander, a man identified as Azubuike, popularly known by the alias “Ocean.” Despite the success of the initial arrests, Azubuike remains at large along with another primary accomplice.
The Commissioner of Police for Rivers State, Mr. Olugbenga Adepoju, has issued a stern condemnation of the attack. Reaffirming the state’s stance on vigilante overreach, the Commissioner warned that no individual or group, regardless of their self-appointed status, is permitted to circumvent the rule of law.
“We shall not tolerate such lawlessness,” Commissioner Adepoju stated, assuring the public that the hunt for the fleeing suspects continues unabated. He further urged citizens to remain vigilant and provide any pertinent information that might assist in the total apprehension of the perpetrators.
