JOINT SECURITY TEAM ARREST 14 SUSPECTED KIDNAPPERS, INCLUDING 6 AK-47 ARMED HERDERS IN RIVERS STATE

Security operatives in Rivers State have arrested 14 suspected kidnappers and rescued 6 kidnapped persons in different parts of the state. 8 of the suspects were arrested during a security operation along the Ahoada-Omoku Road, where 6 kidnapped persons were equally rescued. Similarly, 6 suspected Fulani herders were also arrested along the Port Harcourt International Airport for alleged involvement in kidnapping and possession of 6 AK-47. The State Commissioner of Police, OLUGBENGA ADEPOJU, said the operation was carried by the Joint Security Team, comprising the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Military and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Briefing newsmen at the State Police Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, CP ADEPOJU, who was flanked by other security and military officers, said the Joint Security Team intercepted some petroleum pipeline vandals and recovered some explosive devices from them at Aluu in Ikwerre Local Government Area, and at Rumuekpe in Emohua Local Government Area. "Over the past week, the joint efforts of the security agencies in Rivers State have amongst other successes thwarted attempts by miscreants to vandalize pipeline, which led to the death of the vandals in the process of trying to detonate a pipeline as a result of the quick response of the state security agencies at Allu- Rumuekpe in Ikwerre LGA on 16 March 2025.” The CP said. CP ADPOJU further said: "In other case of anticriminal activities in the state, the men of the security forces stormed the hideout of kidnappers along Omoku Road in Ahaoda East LGA on the 21 March 25 at about 0710 hours where 8 male suspects were arrested, and six 6 male victims were rescued.” He said, "Items recovered during the arrest include 2 English-made pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, 4 locally made single barrel guns with assorted rounds and cartridges, 3 Q-link motorcycles, communication equipment amongst other items.” "Another case of criminality was avoided in Onelga LGA on 19 March 2025, where 2 suspects were arrested with 4 dynamites, 4 switches and detonating pods and other IED enablers. This is in addition to the destruction of 30 illegal refining sites, 55 ovens, 20 reservoirs, 50 dug out pits, 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil and about 10,000 litres of illegally refined AGO which were handled in line with extant regulations;” he said. The Commissioner of Police assured of the Joint Security Team’s commitment to safeguarding critical national assets in Rivers State and warned criminals and other troublemakers to steer clear of the area. "On behalf of the Rivers State Police Command, I extend our profound commendation to the Joint Patrol Operations conducted by the Police, the Armed Forces, and other sister agencies, who have diligently executed their mandate to support the objective of the state of emergency in Rivers State. Our collective effort has been instrumental in sustaining the peace and calm currently enjoyed in our dear state.” The CP assured. CP ADEPOJU also used the opportunity to disclose plans to set up an enforcement team within seven days to monitor and impound unregistered vehicles, saying that unregistered vehicles enhance the activities of criminals, just as he advised those with such vehicles to window to do the right thing. "Additionally, a State Operations Room has been established to provide real-time surveillance and facilitate rapid response to security threats within the state. "As a result, effective in seven (7) days, a targeted enforcement operation will commence to impound all vehicles operating without registered number plates, as well as those displaying improperly affixed or altered plate numbers, because such violations, facilitate criminal activities. "Vehicle owners in non-compliance are advised to utilize this grace period to ensure full compliance with vehicle registration requirements".