Barth Ndubuwah, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command said it has raided suspected criminal hideouts in the State and arrested some suspects.
According to a statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the first operation took place around 1:00 AM when operatives from the Rumuji Division intercepted a black Toyota Sienna along the East-West Road.
The vehicle, registered as ABIA, APR 455 HW, was driven by a suspect, Frank Ukpebitere. Upon inspection, officers found 2,000 tons of 48 VDC Power System Cabinets, identified as the property of Airtel Telecommunications Company.
Ukpebitere failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for transporting the items, which are suspected to have been stolen. Both the suspect and the recovered property are now in police custody as investigations continue.
Later that day, at approximately 2:30 PM, acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Hawk Unit raided Blessing Street in the Kom-Kom area of Oyigbo Local Government. The operation led to the arrest of four male suspects: Peter Victor (38), Joshua Ibe (25), Shedrack David (22), and Joseph Acholam (23).
The suspects, who are believed to be members of a criminal gang, were found in possession of a round of 7.62×51mm live ammunition and containers of liquid substances suspected to be hard drugs.
During questioning, the suspects admitted to their involvement in criminal activities, terrorizing the Oyigbo area and surrounding communities.
They are currently helping the police with information that could lead to the capture of other gang members still at large.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains dedicated to maintaining law and order, we urge the public to provide timely information to aid our efforts in safeguarding the residents of the state,” the statement added.
