The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered a cache of firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect, identified as Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo,” was apprehended following what the command described as credible intelligence on his alleged criminal activities.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko Agabe, disclosed the development in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.
According to the statement, the operation was carried out on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, as part of ongoing efforts to combat violent crime across Rivers State.
Items recovered from the suspect include one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns and five live cartridges.
The police said preliminary investigations indicate that Emenike is linked to a wider criminal network operating within the state.
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Investigators, the command added, are currently pursuing leads to identify and arrest other suspected members of the gang while also uncovering the full extent of their alleged criminal activities.
Commending the officers involved in the operation, Adepoju reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intensifying intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling criminal groups and enhancing public safety.
He said the arrest and recovery of the weapons demonstrate the police’s resolve to proactively tackle violent crime and protect law-abiding residents of the state.
The commissioner also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue providing credible information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains essential in the fight against crime.