In furtherance of the strategic crime-fighting initiatives and proactive policing agenda of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju on the intensification of intelligence-led policing and the clampdown on illegal arms and criminal groups nationwide, the Rivers State Police Command has continued to record significant operational successes in its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, curb the proliferation of unlawful firearms and rid the State of all forms of illegal security formations. Police Public Relations Officer in the state ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo stated this in press statement.
According to her, the recent major breakthrough recorded operatives of the Command State Intelligence Department (SID), acting on credible and actionable intelligence, successfully conducted a targeted operation on 6th May, 2026, at about 1400hrs, in Sakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. The operation led to the crackdown of an illegal security outfit operating under the guise of a so-called “Civilian Joint Taskforce.”
The operation resulted in the arrest of five suspects, namely:
* Precious Mene (Female, 31 years), indigene of Gokana Local Government Area
* Blessing Felix (Female, 25 years), indigene of Sagbama Local Government Area
* Barine Gaviga (Male, 32 years), indigene of Gokana Local Government Area
* Joy Ndornyie (Female, 26 years), indigene of Tai Local Government Area
* Muhammed Ibrahim (Male, 35 years), indigene of Jigawa State
During the operation, exhibit recovered includes: three locally fabricated pump-action rifles from the suspects.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the group was operating unlawfully under the false pretense of providing security services. The Rivers State Police Command wishes to categorically state that there is no recognised or legally authorised security outfit known as “Civilian Joint Taskforce” operating under the authority of the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security agency within Rivers State.
The Command further reiterates that no civilian is permitted by law to bear, possess, or operate firearms without lawful authorization. Consequently, any individual or group found engaging in illegal security activities or unlawful possession of arms will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the extant laws of the Federal Republic of
Nigeria.
Investigations is still ongoing to unravel the full extent of the group’s activities and any other unauthorized operations within the State.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, has reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the Command to intelligence-led policing, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across Rivers State. He further warned criminal elements and unlawful groups to desist from all forms of illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
The Command also calls on residents of the State to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue to partner with the Police by providing timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and sustain peace, safety, and public order throughout the State.
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