Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, working alongside other security agencies, have carried out a raid on criminal hideouts in Ipo and Igwuruta-Ali, both located in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The camps were reportedly being used for kidnapping and other illegal activities.
During the operation, one suspect was arrested, while several others escaped.
Security forces also recovered a cache of weapons, including a pump-action shotgun, an AK-47 rifle, and communication devices.
This was made known in a statement by the spokesperson for the State Police Command, ASP Blessing Aagabe, on Tuesday.
Agabe revealed that the pump-action gun is reportedly owned by the leader of a local vigilante group, who was allegedly abducted by bandits when he led his men to confront the latter last week.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a successful joint security operation carried out against criminal elements operating within the state.
“In compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, the Command continues to collaborate closely with sister security agencies to enhance the protection and security of citizens, while also strengthening inter-agency cooperation and synergy.
“On 12th April, 2026, at about 1300 hours, Tactical Teams of the Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, DSS and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, embarked on a coordinated operation to clear identified criminal camps suspected to be used as hideout for kidnapping and other criminal activities.
“During the operation, the joint security team identified the criminal hideouts at IPO and Igwuruta-Ali Camp.
“In the course of the operation, the following items were recovered,One (1) AK-47 rifle, One (1) pump-action gun, Two hundred and seventy-four (274) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, Four (4) cartridges, native bulletproof materials, a large iron cutter, communication radios and other items.
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Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered pump-action gun is suspected to be owned by the leader of the local vigilante group called OSPAC) alleged to have been previously abducted.”
“The criminal camps were successfully destroyed, and one suspect was arrested within that vicinity and is still under investigation, while other suspects fled the scene before the arrival of security operatives.
“Investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects and rescuing the kidnapped victim,” the state police image maker further revealed.
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured people and residents of the state of the unwavering commitment of the Command to safeguard lives and property.
CP Adepoju however, urged people and residents of the state to continue to support security agencies with credible and timely information that would lead to the prompt arrest of criminal elements.