Police Destroy Illegal Refineries, Arrest Suspects, Recover Weapons In Rivers

Edith CHUKU

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has revealed that the command under his leadership has destroyed 30 illegal refining sites, 55 ovens, 20 reservoirs, 50 dug out pits, 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil and about 10,000 litres of illegally refined AGO which were handled in line with extant regulations.

Adepoju noted that these successes were recorded following the joint efforts of security agencies in the state.

He said that amongst other successes recorded over the past week, the command on March 16, 2025, thwarted attempts by miscreants to vandalise pipeline which he said led to the death of the vandals in the process of trying to detonate a pipeline as a result of the quick response of the state security agencies at Aluu-Rumuekpe in Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.

He revealed that in other cases of anti-criminal activities in the state, “the men of the security forces stormed the hideout of kidnappers along Omoku Road in Ahaoda East LGA on the 21 March 25 at about 0710 hours where 8 male suspects were arrested, and six 6 male victims were rescued.

“Items recovered during the arrest include two english made pump action guns, two locally made pistols, four locally made single barrel guns with assorted rounds and catridges, three Q-link motorcycles, communication equipment amongst other items.

“Another case of criminality was voided in Onelga LGA on 19 March 2025, where two suspects were arrested with four dynamites, four switches and detonating pods and other IED enablers.”

In his efforts to sustain peace and calm amidst the declaration of state of emergency in the state, the CP reiterated that the command would continue to work in close collaboration with all stakeholders in the state and other security agencies.

He commended the Joint Patrol Operations conducted by the Police, the Armed Forces, and other sister agencies, for diligently executing their mandate to support the objective of the state of emergency in Rivers.

Adepoju noted that their collective effort have been instrumental in sustaining the peace and calm currently enjoyed in the state.

According to him, “it is imperative to emphasize that this phase of security activities is a necessary measure aimed at preventing any potential breakdown of law and order. The decision to deploy a proactive policing strategy was informed by an emerging atmosphere that could have been exploited by troublemakers to plunge the state into insecurity and chaos.

“I assure the good people of Rivers State that this is a temporary phase, and in due time, we will all witness a more peaceful and secured state. Furthermore, I must stress the critical importance of securing critical national assets and infrastructures within Rivers State.

“These assets are vital, not only to the people of Rivers State but to the entire nation. Consequently, it is the collective responsibility of all well-meaning residents of the state to ensure their protection, particularly against oil thieves, vandals, kidnappers, cultist and other criminals.”

To the members of the public, the CP urged them to “provide the police and other security agencies with credible intelligence regarding individuals or groups who are engaging in vandalism and their conspirators.

“We must take necessary and proactive measures to prevent any act that could deter current and potential investors. The safety and stability of our environment are paramount to fostering a thriving business climate, which in turn will contribute to the overall economic growth of the state and the nation at large.

“Together with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, we remain resolute in our commitment to protecting lives and property while upholding law and order. We unequivocally condemn any attempt or action aimed at vandalizing oil pipelines and other public infrastructure. Let it be known that we are fully prepared to carry out our responsibilities with utmost diligence, and we will ensure that those who engage in any unlawful acts are identified, apprehended, and brought to justice.

“In fulfillment of our security mandate, we have an increased deployment of security operatives to disrupt the movement of criminal elements and/or illicit materials who, in most cases, are known to move in unregistered vehicles. Additionally, a State Operations Room has been established to provide real-time surveillance and facilitate rapid response to security threats within the state. As a result, effective in seven (7) days, a targeted enforcement operation will commence to impound all vehicles operating without registered number plates, as well as those displaying improperly affixed or altered plate numbers, because such violations, facilitate criminal activities. Vehicle owners in non-compliance are advised to utilize this grace period to ensure full compliance with vehicle registration requirements.”

He further enjoined parents and guardians to properly educate their children and wards against sabotage and criminal conducts, even as he commended the people of the state, urging them to continue cooperating with security agencies as they strive towards maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in our beloved state.

Adepoju encouraged members of the public to contact security agencies in case of any information or emergency on 08032003514, 08098880134, 09014273818, 08120822987 and 09035774814.