The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected criminals in Oyigbo Local Government Area following a targeted operation. The suspects were apprehended during a raid on Blessing Street in Kom-Kom, Oyigbo.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday by the State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, in Port Harcourt.
According to the statement, the suspects were found with one live ammunition and containers filled with substances suspected to be hard drugs. They allegedly confessed to being part of a criminal syndicate involved in acts of terror in Oyigbo and surrounding areas.
The statement reads: “The suspects are Peter Victor, aged 38, from Una Eket, Akwa Ibom State; Joshua Ibe, aged 25, from Amadugba, Orlu LGA, Imo State; Shedrack David, aged 22, from Ikotumoesen, Eseni Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State; and Joseph Acholam, aged 23, from Arochukwu LGA, Abia State.
“Items recovered from the suspects include one round of 7.62×51mm live ammunition and containers with liquid substances suspected to be hard drugs.
“During interrogation, the suspects admitted to being part of a criminal syndicate responsible for various acts of terror in Oyigbo and its surrounding areas.
“They are currently providing valuable information to aid further investigations, including efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
“The Rivers State Police Command, under the leadership of CP Olugbenga Adepoju, continues to intensify efforts to combat criminal activities across the state.”
The Command reassured residents of its commitment to maintaining law and order and urged the public to provide timely information to assist the police in ensuring the safety of all.
In a related development, operatives of the Rivers State Police Command intercepted a black Toyota Sienna transporting stolen telecommunications equipment. The incident occurred during a routine stop-and-search operation along the East-West Road.
“At approximately 0100 hours, operatives from the Rumuji Division, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along the East-West Road, intercepted a black Toyota Sienna with registration number ABIA, APR 455 HW.
“The vehicle was driven by one Frank Ukpebitere, a male suspect.
“Upon inspection, officers discovered that the vehicle was transporting 2,000 tons of 48 VDC Power System Cabinets, identified as the property of Airtel Telecommunications Company.
“The suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or documentation for the transportation of these items, which are suspected to have been stolen.
“Both the suspect and the recovered exhibits are now in police custody as investigations continue,” the statement concluded.
The police have reiterated their commitment to tackling crime and called on residents to cooperate by reporting suspicious activities promptly.
