The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly linked to armed robbery and kidnapping, recovering six firearms and 58 rounds of live ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.
The suspects were identified as Chinemerem Uchewo, Michael Ishaka, Abdulahi George and Gideon Okah.
According to the police, the operation began in Rumuekpe, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, on October 4, 2026, while another suspect was subsequently arrested in Owerri, Imo State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said preliminary investigations had linked the suspects to reported cases of armed robbery and kidnapping in Choba, Elele Alimini, Emohua and Rumuekpe communities.
The police further disclosed that the suspects allegedly confessed to killing Joseph Onyeka during a robbery in Rumuji community on July 23, 2026.
They were also linked to the shooting of a police officer, Inspector Womoma, at a police checkpoint along the East-West Road near Elele Alimini Junction on August 4, 2026.
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Items recovered during the operation include two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, an English-made double-barrel rifle and a locally made revolver pistol.
The police command stated that efforts were ongoing to track down other suspected members of the gang and recover additional illegal weapons.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the officers involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism.
Adepoju reiterated the command’s commitment to intelligence-driven policing and sustained investigations aimed at dismantling criminal networks and tackling armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
He also warned suspected criminals and their associates to desist from criminal activities, stressing that the command would continue efforts to bring perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.
The police commissioner urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies, assuring the public that information provided would be treated confidentially.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by the Rivers State Police Command to strengthen security and curb criminal activities across the state.
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