Police arrest suspected armed robber, recover firearms in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has said its operatives have arrested a suspected armed robber, Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo,” and recovered firearms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

The command described the arrest and recovery as a major operational success, saying the operation followed credible intelligence.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday.

She said the suspect was arrested in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju.

“The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another major operational success in its relentless campaign against violent crime, with the arrest of a suspected armed robber and the recovery of multiple firearms and live ammunition in a targeted intelligence-led operation.

“In line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command swung into action and arrested the suspect, one Austine Emenike, popularly known as ‘Oyibo,’ of Aluu Village, Rivers State. Exhibit recovered includes: one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns, and five live cartridges,” he said.

Agabe said preliminary investigations linked the suspect to a wider criminal network.

Related News Ogun ex-lawmaker hails N’Assembly’s passage of state police bill

Edo man fakes own kidnap, demands N4m from family

Police bust ‘one-chance’ gang, arrest seven in Ogun

“Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect is linked to a wider criminal network.

“Investigators are currently pursuing vital leads aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the gang, as well as uncovering the full scope of their activities,” the statement partly read.

Commending the operatives, Adepoju reaffirmed the command’s commitment to tackling violent crime across the state.

“This arrest and the recovery of these dangerous weapons underscore our resolve to proactively tackle violent crime and protect the law-abiding people of Rivers State.

“We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations until criminal elements are completely rooted out,” Adepoju said.

The police commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious persons or activities, stressing that public cooperation and credible intelligence remain vital to improving security in the state.