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Rivers Police Recover 5,132 Weapons …Nab 791 Criminals …Unveil New SARS Uniform
L-R: Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, American Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. James Enwistle and the Minister of State, Mr Abubakar Bwari, during the visit of the Ambassador to the minister in Abuja, yesterday
The Rivers State Police command recovered 5,132 weapons, even as it arrested 791 criminals for various offences across the state in 2015.
The State Commissioner of Policy, CP Musa Kimo disclosed this yesterday at a press briefing held to unveil the annual achievements of the command in 2015 in Port Harcourt.
The State Commissioner of Police who was represented by the Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Ahmad Mohammed said he was particularly thrilled by the high level maturity, and security consciousness displayed by the people of the state through timely and actionable information given to the police.
CP Kimo while giving the breakdown of the caches of arms recovered by the police during the period under review said 187 armed robbers, 329 kidnappers suspects and 375 cultists were arrested while 98 armed robbers, 145 kidnap suspects were fatally wounded in 2015.
The State Commissioner of Police averred that the police also rescued 337 kidnapped victims, foiled seven bank robberies as well as arrested 13 rape/defilement suspects within the period under review.
According to him, the command recovered 80 AK 47 riffles, 123 pump action guns, 4,251 locally made pistols, 349 short guns, 78 double barrel guns as well as 31 single barrel guns.
The State Police boss also disclosed that within the period under review, the police recovered 56 assault rifle, 92 locally made long guns, 16 English pistols, one rocket propelled grenade and one general purpose machine gun.
Also recovered by the Police include 11,917 assorted ammunition, 10 IED materials, 9945 cartridges, 101 assorted vehicles as well as N137,000,000.00, adding that the exploits recorded by the police in last year was attributed to the support and co-operation from the people of the State in their collective drive with the police to stem the tide of criminal activities in the state.
The CP used the opportunity to solicit similar co-operation, support and understanding to the command in 2016 even as he urged the people of the state to remain calm, hopeful and be confident in the ability of the police to discharge their constitutional mandate of ensuring public peace and security as well as upholding democratic tenets and freedom for the people.
The State Police command also unveiled a new official regalia (uniform) of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) as approved by the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Musa Kimo said the rebranded uniform was an idea conceived to conform with the nature of the squad’s job as well as to eradicate complaints of mistaken identity by members of the public.
The State Commissioner of Police urged the people of the State to call the following distress lines for police response 08032003514, 08028915460, 0802915462 and 08160723892.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol