The Rivers State Police Command, through the operatives from the Hawk Unit, has announced the arrest of a suspected group of criminals at Blessing Street, Kom-Kom, in the Oyigbo Local Government Area.
The spokesperson of Police Command, Grace Iringe-Koko, on Monday in a document shared with journalists, said this arrest came following a successful raid at their hideouts on 25 January.
The Iringe-Koko highlighted that under the leadership of Commissioner of Police (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju, the force has witnessed significant results in two separate operations conducted as the fight against crime continues.
The suspects are Peter Victor, aged 38, a native of Una Eket in Akwa Ibom State; Joshua Ibe, aged 25, a native of Amadugba in Orlu LGA, Imo State; Shedrack David, aged 22, a native of Ikotumoesen, Eseni Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State; and Joseph Acholam, aged 23, a native of Arochukwu LGA, Abia State.
Items recovered during the raid include One round of 7.62×51mm live ammunition and suspected hard drugs concealed in containers along with liquid substances.
Iringe-Koko stated that, “During interrogation, the suspects admitted to being part of a criminal syndicate responsible for various acts of terror in Oyigbo and its surrounding areas. They are currently providing valuable information to aid further investigations, including efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.”
In a separate operation that occurred the same day, the police spokesperson said that while conducting a stop and search operation by the operatives from the Rumuji Division at approximately 01:00 hours along East-West Road, they intercepted a black Toyota Sienna with registration number ABIA, APR 455 HW.
“The vehicle was driven by one Frank Ukpebitere, a male suspect,” the statement read.
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“Upon inspection, officers discovered that the vehicle was transporting 2,000 tonnes of 48 VDC power system cabinets, identified as the property of Airtel Telecommunications Company. The suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or documentation for the transportation of these items, which are suspected to have been stolen.”
“Both the suspect and the recovered exhibits are now in police custody as investigations continue.”
While reassuring the force commitment, the document added, “The Rivers State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. Members of the public are encouraged to provide timely information to assist the police in ensuring the safety of all residents.”
