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Rivers Police Nab 23 Crime Suspects, Recover Arms …Assure On Justice For Ikoku Four, Late Mechanic
The Rivers State Police Command says a total of 23 suspected armed robbers and cultists have been arrested for their involvement in crimes and other related activities in various communities across the state.
The police also said the arrested criminals, included cultists, armed robbers and kidnapers, who have been terrorising the state and its environment in recent times.
The state Commissioner for Police, Mustapha Dandaura, stated this at the police headquarters in Port Harcourt, yesterday, while briefing journalists on the recent achievements recorded by the command on its efforts to curb crime in the state.
Dandaura while giving the unveiling the scorecard of the command, said the command within the period under review, arrested six suspected cultists, seven kidnapers ,10 armed robbers and foiled three robbery incidents.
The command also recovered 64 arms, one machine gun, one G3 purpose gun, 80 cartridges, 20 magazines as well as 648 ammunitions.
According to him, the command, in a joint operation executed by tactical units in the command acting on credible intelligence stormed a forest in Obibi, Etche Local Government Area in the wake of attacks and kidnapping, and arrested some hoodlums and rescued victims held captive by the hoodlums, adding that threeAK-47 rifles, one Pump Action gun, Barreta pistols, six magazines and one cut-to-size gun were recovered during the operation.
The police commissioner also disclosed that operatives of the Operation Sting in a combined operation with other sister agencies, which lasted two weeks, stormed camps belonging to hoodlums in two local government areas of Khana and Gokana, adding that 20 camps were destroyed while four AK-47 rifles, four Pump Action guns, one Barreta pistol, one locally-made pistol, seven magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 ammunition, one wooden carved rubber gun, sirens, charms and two toy guns were recovered.
The state police helmsman said the achievements were made possible through the robust support from the state government, adding that the state government through the launch of Operation Sting, donated 85 patrol vans, including armoured personnel carriers (APCs) and bulletproof vans, which he said, has aided the command in fighting crime in the state.
“The state government through the launch of Operation Sting, gave us 87 patrol vans, two bulletproof patrol vans and armoured carrier vehicles, bringing the total to 89 vehicles given to us by the state government. Let me thank the governor for his support to the command.
“Today, again, let me renew my earlier pledge to tackle criminality, having been motivated by the government. We shall not relent in our efforts to rid the state of criminality”.
Dandaura used the opportunity to thank members of the public for their support through timely information, and promised to sustain the existing peace in the state even as he appealed for continued support and cooperation from members of the public.
On the Ikoku Four and late Chima Ikwunado, the commissioner of police said investigations on the matter were still ongoing, saying that he would address the people of the state on the matter at the conclusion of investigations.
He said the command will not protect or cover any body found culpable in the matter, and solicited for public patience to enable the command secure justice for all involved.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the State Executive Council.
Under the new disposition, Barrister Christopher Green, who until now served as Commissioner for Sports, has been redeployed to the Ministry of Justice as the Honourable Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice.
This is contained in an official statement signed by Dr. Honour Sirawoo, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications.
According to the statement, Barrister Green will also continue to coordinate the activities of the Ministry of Sports pending the appointment of a substantive Commissioner to oversee the ministry.
The redeployment, which takes immediate effect, was approved at the last State Executive Council meeting for the year 2025, underscoring the Governor’s commitment to strengthening governance, ensuring continuity in service delivery, and optimising the performance of key ministries within the state.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that his administration will ensure the delivery of developmental projects and the prevalence of peace in all parts of Rivers State.
The Governor emphasized that the achievement of these lofty ideals can only occur through the unwavering contributions of all Rivers stakeholders.
Speaking during the commissioning of the 10.7-kilometre Egbeda–Omerelu Road constructed by his administration, the governor said Rivers State can only move forward when its people choose unity over division.
He assured Rivers people that development projects would reach every part of the State but cautioned that progress cannot thrive where conflict persists.
Reflecting on the project, Governor Fubara recalled that the road was a promise he made during the inauguration of the first phase about a year ago.
“We made a promise that we were going to do this project, and today I am happy that the government has fulfilled that promise made to Emohua people, Egbeda community and Omerelu people,” he said.
He noted that the essence of governance is service to the people, adding that responding to their needs is a core responsibility of any administration.
“We decided to do this because you know where we are coming from, and if we don’t tell our story, many won’t know what we are doing. Even in the face of tribulations, we have remained focused on delivering the dividends of democracy. We will continue to serve our people with respect and honour,” he affirmed.
Governor Fubara also reiterated his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, pledging to back all groups working towards securing the President’s victory in 2027.
Giving technical details of the project, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Dr. Austin Ezekiel-Hart, explained that the contract was awarded on October 27, 2024, to Messrs Johnson Roadworks Limited.
He said the road links communities in Emohua and Ikwerre LGAs and shortens travel time for motorists commuting from Ahoada East, Ahoada West and Omoku through Egbeda to Owerri in Imo State.
He added that the infrastructure features a 12-metre clearing width and an 8-metre asphalt surface, comprising a 50mm binder course and a 40mm wearing course. It is complemented by 24 kilometres of drainage channels with a 1.05m² cross-sectional capacity to ensure durability and efficient water flow.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, described the road as a crucial link for surrounding communities, significantly easing movement for residents.
He praised the governor for demonstrating continuity and consolidation and prayed for God’s strength to enable him to achieve even more for the people.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara says Rivers State remains the best investment destination for investors in the oil and gas sector.
Governor Fubara stated that since the economic development of Rivers State is closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry, his administration has continued to collaborate with the Federal Government and host communities to protect natural assets in the sector.
The Governor stated this during the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation Oil and Gas Roundtable in Port Harcourt.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Benibo Anabraba, he pointed out that since the economy of Nigeria relies substantially on the oil and gas sector, his administration will continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ramp up production.
“The Nigerian oil and gas sector is the lifeblood of our nation’s economy, contributing over 90% of Federal Government’s foreign exchange earnings. Similarly, Rivers State, home to numerous national and multinational oil and gas companies, is the centre of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon industry, with the State’s oil and gas resources generating over 40% of the country’s revenue.
“?Considering this, the survival and economic development of Rivers State are closely connected to the growth of the oil and gas industry. That is why, since the beginning of this administration, we have focused on safeguarding the national oil and gas assets in collaboration with the Federal Government, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders, and we will maintain this commitment for as long as it is necessary.
“Furthermore, we have established and maintained a conducive, peaceful, and secure environment for companies to open and flourish in the State as part of a strategic plan to stimulate our economy, generate jobs, and enhance the well-being of our citizens.
“We therefore recognise and applaud the vital role that indigenous companies are currently playing in bridging gaps and advancing the development of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry,” he stressed.?
Governor Fubara affirmed that Nigerian-funded companies can only succeed and make meaningful contributions to the nation’s economic prosperity when challenges that limit the nation are effectively tackled, and expressed his administration’s stand to support indigenous organisations such as the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation.
Declaring the roundtable open, the Governor assured the Nigerian-Owned companies in the oil and gas sector, that “we are ready and willing to respond positively to any administrative, policy, or legislative recommendations within our jurisdiction as a subnational State.”
The Founder of the Nigeria and Entrepreneurship Summit and Honours (NESH) Foundation, Mr Emeka ugwu-Ozu, disclosed that the summit, held only in an oil and gas producing place, is a forum for all in the industry to brainstorm and suggest best practices for local players.
“This roundtable discussion takes place in only oil and gas producing states, and it is intentional. And that is to make sure that sooner, it becomes like what we say is the equivalent of Houston in the United States of America.
“I would say that from what I have seen so far, Rivers State is back and open, safe and good for business. The oil and gas players should come and see what we have seen,” he said.
