Police Raid Criminal Hideout, Recovers Exhibits In Rivers
Edith CHUKU
In their determination to combat criminal activities across the state, the Rivers State Police command said it has raided identified criminal hideouts, arrested some suspects and recovered exhibits.
This was revealed in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Grace Iringe-koko, on Monday, January 27, 2025.
The Police Public Relations Officer explained that the command under the leadership of the Commission of Police, Olubenga A. Adepoju, made significant results in two separate operations conducted on January 25, 2025.
According to her, “at approximately 0100 hours, operatives from the Rumuji Division, while conducting a routine stop-and-search operation along the East-West Road, intercepted a black Toyota Sienna with registration number ABIA, APR 455 HW. The vehicle was driven by one Frank Ukpebitere, a male suspect.
“Upon inspection, officers discovered that the vehicle was transporting 2,000 tons of 48 VDC Power System Cabinets, identified as the property of Airtel Telecommunications Company. The suspect failed to provide a satisfactory explanation or documentation for the transportation of these items, which are suspected to have been stolen.
“Both the suspect and the recovered exhibits are now in police custody as investigations continue.”
Irinke-Koko also revealed that, “later the same day, at about 1430 hours, acting on credible intelligence regarding the activities of criminal elements, operatives from the Hawk Unit conducted a targeted raid at Blessing Street, Kom-Kom in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
“The operation led to the arrest of four male suspects: Peter Victor, aged 38, from Una Eket, Akwa Ibom State. Joshua Ibe, aged 25, from Amadugba, Orlu LGA, Imo State. Shedrack David, aged 22, from Ikotumoesen, Eseni Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State. Joseph Acholam, aged 23, from Arochukwu LGA, Abia State.
“Items recovered from the suspects include: One round of 7.62×51mm live ammunition. Containers with liquid substances suspected to be hard drugs.”
She added that during interrogation, “the suspects admitted to being part of a criminal syndicate responsible for various acts of terror in Oyigbo and its surrounding areas. They are currently providing valuable information to aid further investigations, including efforts to apprehend other members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
“The Rivers State Police Command reassures the public of its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order in the state. Members of the public are encouraged to provide timely information to assist the police in ensuring the safety of all residents.”
