The Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of five suspects linked to the violent attack on police operatives at Tonninno Filling Station in the Elioparanwo area of Obio/Akpor Local Government, where rifles belonging to officers were stolen.
The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in an investigation that has been ongoing since the November 12 incident. According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the operation was executed on the direct orders of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the case and track down the perpetrators.
Iringe-Koko said the operatives deployed intelligence-led policing and technical surveillance to trace and apprehend the suspects. Four members of the gang were arrested first, leading to the recovery of the two rifles stolen during the attack.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects are connected to multiple criminal activities in Port Harcourt and surrounding areas. Those in custody include:
– Anselem Paul, 45, from Imbaise LGA, Imo State
– Supurchi Ejifor (a.k.a. Emejaka), 48, from Bende LGA, Abia State
– Bright Nwabueze (a.k.a. Bishop), 53, from Umuahia South LGA, Abia State
– Utibe Sunday, 24, from Ika LGA, Akwa Ibom State
Iringe-Koko added that Ebuka Ruben, 32, from Ebonyi State — believed to be the orchestrator of the filling-station attack — has also been apprehended. She noted that the suspects are cooperating with investigators, while efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
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Commissioner Adepoju commended the operatives for their swift and professional actions, reaffirming that the command remains committed to ensuring that criminal elements are tracked down and prosecuted. He assured residents that the police would continue expanding their operational reach across the state to dismantle organised criminal networks.
In a separate operation, the command also confirmed the arrest of two suspected car snatchers linked to a string of vehicle thefts in Port Harcourt and neighbouring states. One of the stolen vehicles was traced to Abia State, where one of the suspects was intercepted.
The police urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to support law enforcement efforts in maintaining safety and security across Rivers State.