CP Mustapha Bala, Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command
-Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie
The Rivers State Police Command has successfully conducted two coordinated operations in the Elechi Beach and Nanka waterfront areas, targeting criminal hideouts believed to be hubs for illegal activities.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the C4i Strike Force (Octopus) launched strategic raids in both locations, leading to the arrest of a notorious armed robber, and the recovery of one vehicle, arms and ammunition.
In the first operation, conducted at approximately 7 pm on the 18th of October 2024, the operatives stormed a hideout in the Elechi Beach axis in Diobu Port Harcourt. Several illegal firearms and rounds of ammunition were seized during the raid. The items recovered include an English revolver pistol with thirty-five rounds of 8.1mm live ammunition and one Excam Hialeah pistol with two rounds of 9mm live ammunition. Suspects evaded arrest by fleeing into the nearby river.
The second operation took place shortly afterwards at a suspected criminal den in the Nanka waterfront area of Diobu, Port Harcourt where a blue Toyota Corolla with Registration number BDG 44 HE, belonging to one Iviuboosun Usanavi Okuru of no 24 Ada Williams which was robbed at gunpoint along education bus-stop was recovered.
In the same swoop, the Police arrested one Baridam Berebom ‘m’ of Mogho in Gokana LGA. He was arrested with an SMG Rifle with which he and his gang robbed a female NYSC corps member of her iPhone 12.
The Police swiftly responded to a distress call about the robbery and gave hot pursuit of the armed robbers. The suspect was arrested while other gang members fled. The victim’s phone and the operational weapon were recovered.
The Rivers State Police Command is actively pursuing all available leads to track down other individuals responsible for the illegal activities in these areas. Investigations are ongoing, and we are confident that all those behind these criminal networks will be apprehended soon.
The police is calling on members of the public to provide any information that could assist in the capture of these criminals.
The recovery of these arms and a stolen vehicle represents a significant step in curbing the illegal possession of firearms in the state and a resolve to ensure that car thieves do not go scot-free. We remain committed to maintaining peace and security across all neighbourhoods and will continue to carry out targeted operations to eliminate criminal activities.
The police command wants to assure the good people of Rivers State that the command remains resolute in its efforts to protect lives and property.
“We urge members of the public to continue to cooperate with the police by providing timely and credible information. Together, we can make Rivers State a safer place for all.
Let me also take this opportunity to remind everyone that all suspects will be charged to court, and we will ensure that due process is followed, and justice is served.”
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