The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major operational success following a violent attack on Unity Estate, resulting in the arrest of twelve (12) suspects and the recovery of an automatic pump-action gun alongside other dangerous exhibits.

What Happened at Unity Estate

The incident occurred on January 5, 2025, at about 1:15pm, when suspected members of the OSPAC vigilante group, drawn from different communities within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, allegedly mobilized alongside hired thugs and invaded the estate.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the attackers were armed with pump-action guns, cutlasses, charms, and other dangerous weapons, firing shots indiscriminately and causing widespread panic among residents.

Casualties, Abduction, and Property Damage

The attack led to:

• Destruction of sections of the estate
• Damage to several vehicles
• Multiple residents sustaining injuries

One victim, Apostle Stephen Nmacha, a native of Rumuekini Community, sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, which was reportedly shattered. He was abducted by the attackers, while others fled into nearby bushes to escape further harm.

Swift Police Response and Rescue

Upon receiving a distress call, operatives from the Choba Division swiftly responded and were reinforced by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and Octopus Tactical Teams.

The abducted victim was successfully rescued and taken to a medical facility for urgent treatment.

Exhibits Recovered

During the operation, Police recovered the following items from the suspects:

• One (1) automatic pump-action gun
• One (1) live cartridge
• Expanded cartridges
• Assorted charms
• Five (5) motorcycles
• Two (2) mini-buses
• One (1) Siena van

Suspects Arrested

The twelve suspects arrested in connection with the attack include individuals from various parts of Rivers State and beyond, all currently in Police custody and undergoing investigation.

Preliminary investigations further revealed that Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince (male) allegedly coordinated the attack and are currently at large.

Additionally, the Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike (aka “Ocean”), who reportedly led the operation, is also on the run.

Police Condemn Vigilante Lawlessness

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, strongly condemned the actions of the OSPAC operatives, describing the attack as reckless, unlawful, and unacceptable.

He emphasized that vigilante groups are expected to operate strictly under Police supervision and in synergy with the Command, warning that any deviation from this mandate will be met with decisive legal action.

Public Safety Assurance

The Rivers State Police Command reassured residents of its unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across the State. Ongoing efforts are in place to arrest all fleeing suspects and ensure they face the full weight of the law.

Members of the public with useful information capable of aiding the arrest of the suspects are encouraged to report to the nearest Police Station.

Read the official Press Release below:

RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND

PRESS RELEASE

Attack on Unity Estate: Twelve Suspects Arrested, Automatic Pump-Action Gun Recovered

The Rivers State Police Command, in its sustained efforts to combat crime and criminality in the State, has arrested twelve (12) suspects in connection with a violent attack on Unity Estate, located at Mbodo–Aluu, Airport Road, Port Harcourt.

The incident occurred on January 5, 2025, at about 1315hrs, when suspected members of the OSPAC vigilante group drawn from various communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, alongside hired thugs armed with pump-action guns, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons, invaded the estate. The assailants reportedly attacked and fire shot indiscriminately causing panic and apprehension.

Preliminary investigations revealed that one Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince ‘m’ are said to have coordinated the attack and are currently at large.

The attack resulted in the destruction of part of the estate and damage to vehicles. One Apostle Stephen Nmacha 'm' a native of Rumuekini Community, sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, which was shattered, and was subsequently abducted by the attackers. Others sustained various degrees of injuries and fled into nearby bushes for safety .

Upon receipt of the distress call, operatives attached to the Choba Division swiftly mobilized to the scene and were reinforced by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and Octopus Tactical Teams. The abducted victim was rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include:

• One (1) automatic pump-action gun

• One (1) live cartridge

• Expanded cartridges

• Assorted charms

• Five (5) motorcycles

• Two (2) mini-buses

• One (1) Siena van

The twelve (12) suspects arrested are:

1. Chinedu Nnodim, 45, male, Etche LGA, Rivers State

2. Joel Wopara, 49, male, Rukpokwu, Rivers State

3. Wopara Iyke, 45, male, Rumuewara, Oraigwe, Rivers State

4. Henry Godwin Orumere, 44, male, Anaka Abuja Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

5. Chidi Herbert, 47, male, Ehi Water, Rumuodumanya, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

6. Wobe Ginikanwa, 44, male, Airport Road, Rukpokwu, Rivers State

7. Bright Ezekiel, 51, male, Ezekiel Road, Nkpolu, Rumuigbo, Rivers State

8. Ibuchi Choice Wali Ogba, 42, male, Rumuwokeata, Ogbogoro, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

9. Okechukwu Igwe, 54, male, Airport Road, Rumuodumanya, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

10. John Chukwudi, 56, male, Rumuchi Road, Ozuoba, Rivers State

11. Chi Ezekwu, 43, male, Ezekwu Avenue, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

12. Clement Bassey, 32, male, Omachi, Rumuodumanya, Port Harcourt, Rivers State

The Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike, a.k.a. Ocean, who is said to have led the attack is currently at large.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, has strongly condemned the reckless and reprehensible actions of the OSPAC operatives for taking the law into their hands. He reiterated that OSPAC operatives are expected to operate strictly under the supervision of the Police and in synergy with the Command.

The Command assures the good people of Rivers State of their safety. Concerted efforts are ongoing to apprehend all remaining suspects involved in the attack to ensure they face the full weight of the law. The Police will not tolerate any individual or group, under any guise, disrupting the peace and security of the State.

Members of the public with credible information that could aid the arrest of the fleeing suspects are urged to come forward and assist the Police or report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

CSP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO, ANIPR

Police Public Relations Officer

Rivers State Police Command.

06/01/2026