The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber, identified as Austine Emenike, popularly known as Oyibo, and recovered five firearms and live ammunition during a targeted operation in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, saying the arrest was part of the command’s sustained crackdown on violent crime under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju.
According to the statement, the suspect, a resident of Aluu Village, was apprehended by operatives during an intelligence-led operation, with one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns and five live cartridges recovered from him.
Agabe said preliminary investigation linked the suspect to a wider criminal network, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang.
She said, “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.”
Commending the operatives for the successful operation, the Commissioner of Police, Adepoju, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven operations to rid the state of criminal elements.
He said, “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.”
The police commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious persons and activities to security agencies, stressing that public cooperation remained critical to enhancing security across the state.
“We urge members of the public to remain security conscious and promptly report suspicious movements or activities. Credible intelligence from residents remains indispensable in our collective effort to build a safer and more secure Rivers State,” Adepoju added.
