Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Security operatives in Rivers State have dismantled suspected criminal hideouts in Ikwerre Local Government Area, following a coordinated operation that led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, and communication equipment, as well as the arrest of one suspect.
The operation, carried out by a combined team of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, targeted identified camps in Ipo and Igwuruta-Ali communities, which authorities believe were being used as bases for kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to the Rivers State Police Command, the raid was conducted on April 12, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to flush out criminal elements operating within forested and remote areas of the state. The exercise involved tactical units working alongside personnel of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
During the operation, security forces reportedly engaged in a sweep of the identified locations, forcing several suspects to flee before operatives arrived. One individual was arrested at the scene and is currently assisting investigators with ongoing inquiries.
Items recovered from the camps included one AK-47 rifle, a pump-action shotgun, 274 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four cartridges, communication radios, a large iron cutter, and materials suspected to be used for improvised protective gear. Authorities also recovered native-made bullet-resistant materials and other equipment believed to support criminal operations.
A key development in the case is the reported link between the recovered pump-action gun and a local vigilante leader associated with the OSPAC security group, who was allegedly abducted last week after reportedly leading members of his team in an attempt to confront armed criminals in the area. Police say the weapon is believed to belong to him, raising further questions about the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the activities of armed groups in the region.
The spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, confirmed the operation in a statement issued in Port Harcourt. She explained that the raid was part of a broader directive from the Inspector-General of Police aimed at strengthening inter-agency collaboration and improving security responses across the state.
She noted that the joint operation successfully neutralised the identified criminal camps, which have now been destroyed to prevent reoccupation by armed groups. Investigations are ongoing to track down fleeing suspects and determine the full extent of the network operating within the area.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, assured residents that the command remains committed to restoring safety and stability across the state. He urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence that could assist security agencies in their operations.
Rivers State has in recent years experienced recurring incidents of kidnapping, armed robbery, and cult-related violence, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities. Security agencies have intensified joint operations in response, focusing on dismantling hideouts and disrupting criminal supply chains.
Authorities say the latest operation reflects improved coordination among security institutions, which has become a key strategy in addressing evolving security threats. The involvement of multiple agencies is intended to enhance intelligence sharing, operational efficiency, and rapid response capabilities.
While the destruction of the camps is considered a significant tactical success, security officials acknowledge that challenges remain, particularly in tracking down fleeing suspects and preventing the re-establishment of similar hideouts in remote areas.
Investigations into the recovered weapons and the circumstances surrounding the alleged abduction of the vigilante leader are ongoing, with police indicating that further arrests may follow as more information becomes available.
For now, residents of the affected communities have been urged to remain calm but vigilant, as security agencies continue clearance operations aimed at ensuring lasting peace in the area.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments