Rivers State Police Command Records Landmark Breakthroughs Against Crime

The Rivers State Police Command has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents with a series of remarkable breakthroughs in crime prevention and law enforcement.

Addressing the press in Port Harcourt, Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, noted that since assuming office as the 47th Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, the Command has adopted a strategy anchored on professionalism, intelligence, and synergy with other security agencies.

Working closely with the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, DSS, NSCDC, and other partners, the Command has cracked down on major criminal activities including armed robbery, kidnapping, cultism, sea piracy, car snatching, and vandalism.

Major Breakthroughs

1. Arrest of Suspected Vandals / Recovery of Explosives

On 10th August 2025, police operatives apprehended 12 suspects in Kpean community over vandalism at an oil-spilled well.

• Recovered Items: 3 GXI Dynatrac explosives and related materials.

2. Arrest of Suspects in the Murder of Barrister Bright Owhor

Linked to cult-related violence on July 6, 2025, 7 suspects were arrested.

• Recovered Items: 4 locally made pistols, ammunition, SIM card, mini bus, Toyota Camry.

3. Interstate Car Snatching Syndicate Busted

Investigations dating back to September 2024 led to the arrest of 11 suspects, including a dismissed officer and a self-styled pastor.

• Recovered Items: 19 stolen vehicles.

4. Arrest of Notorious Cultists

On 3rd August 2025, 2 cultists linked to killings in Gokana and Igbo-Etche were arrested.

• Recovered Items: 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 magazines, and ammunition.

5. Sea Piracy & Violence Neutralized

On 25th August 2025, one suspect was arrested in Abonnema during a sea piracy operation.

• Recovered Items: 1 LAR rifle, 19 rounds of ammunition, pump-action gun, and dynamite.

Breakdown of Recoveries (Jan – Aug 2025)

• AK-47 rifles: 21
• Locally made guns: 66
• Ammunition: 8,000+ rounds
• Vehicles: 115
• Pump-action guns: 34
• Explosives: 8
• Total Suspects Arrested: 33
• Other firearms: Pistols, Dane guns, sub-machine guns

Commitment to Public Safety

CP Adepoju emphasized that these operations are part of a broader crime-fighting strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in law enforcement, particularly as the State approaches the chairmanship and councillorship elections.

He appealed to citizens to partner with the police by providing credible information, assuring that every report would be acted upon swiftly to safeguard lives and property.

“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to your safety and will continue to work in synergy with security stakeholders to ensure a peaceful and crime-free State,” — CP Adepoju.