The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang, recovering six firearms and 58 rounds of live ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Rivers State.

The operation, conducted on October 4, 2026, followed credible intelligence and took place at Rumuekpe Community in Emohua Local Government Area. It was led by the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), in line with directives from the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, to intensify targeted operations against criminal groups

The suspects were identified as Chinemerem Uchewo, Michael Ishaka, Abdulahi George and Gideon Okah, who was subsequently arrested in Owerri, Imo State.

According to preliminary investigations by the Police, the suspects are allegedly linked to several armed robbery and kidnapping incidents in Choba, Elele Alimini, Emohua and Rumuekpe communities.

SUSPECTS LINKED TO MURDER AND ATTACK ON POLICE OFFICER

The Command stated that the suspects confessed to their alleged involvement in the robbery and murder of Joseph Onyeka on July 23, 2026, in Rumuji Community.

They were also allegedly linked to the shooting of Inspector Womoma, a serving officer attached to the Rivers State Police Command, during an attack at a checkpoint along the East-West Road near Elele Alimini Junction on August 4, 2026.The Police reported recovering the following exhibits during the operation:

Two AK-47 rifles

Two pump-action rifles

One English-made double-barrel rifle

One locally made revolver pistol

58 rounds of live ammunition

The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal syndicate who remain at large.

RIVERS CP VOWS TO DISMANTLE CRIMINAL NETWORKS

Commissioner of Police Olugbenga A. Adepoju commended the operatives for their courage and professionalism, assuring residents that the Command would sustain intelligence-led raids and investigations to disrupt criminal networks and recover illegal firearms.He warned individuals involved in armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes to desist from criminal activities, adding that the Police would continue efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible, timely information about suspicious activities in their communities, assuring them that such information would be treated confidentially.

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