Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Rivers State Police Command has dismantled an illegal security outfit operating under the name “Civilian Joint Task Force” in Tai Local Government Area, arresting five suspects and recovering three pump-action rifles in a targeted intelligence-led operation. The raid was carried out on May 6, 2026, at about 2 p.m. in Sakpenwa community following weeks of surveillance and actionable intelligence gathered by the Command's State Intelligence Department (SID). The operation was part of a nationwide crackdown on illegal arms and criminal groups ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
According to police spokesperson ASP Blessing Agabe, the suspects included three women and two men. Those arrested were: Precious Mene (31, female, from Gokana LGA, Rivers); Blessing Felix (25, female, from Sagbama LGA, Bayelsa); Barine Gaviga (32, male, Gokana LGA); Joy Ndornyie (26, female, Tai LGA); and Muhammed Ibrahim (35, male, Jigawa State). The suspects were operating under the false pretense of providing security services to residents. When officers arrived, they recovered three locally fabricated pump-action rifles.
Agabe emphasised that no security outfit known as “Civilian Joint Task Force” is legally recognised or authorised to operate under the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security agency within Rivers State. Civilians are prohibited by law from bearing or possessing firearms without lawful authorisation, and anyone engaged in illegal security activities will face prosecution.
Commissioner of Police CP Olugbenga Adepoju reaffirmed the command's commitment to intelligence-led policing and public safety across the state, warning that investigations are ongoing to uncover the full scope of the group's activities and any other unauthorised operations within Rivers State. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue supporting the police by providing timely and credible information.
This bust is not the first time Rivers authorities have acted against fake security groups. In January 2026, the police warned against individuals impersonating officers and extorting residents. In earlier years, operatives uncovered a fake police inspector leading a robbery gang and a fake 'Civilian JTF' used to terrorise communities.
This latest incident is part of a growing national effort led by the Inspector-General of Police to clamp down on illegal arms and criminal groups, ensuring that civilians cannot lawfully carry firearms. For residents of Tai LGA, the dismantling of this fake CJTF brings a measure of relief. The community can now live without the fear of armed civilians posing as legitimate security personnel. The five suspects will face the full weight of the law, serving as a deterrent to others who might try to establish similar illegal outfits.
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