Four Armed Robbery Suspects Arrested in Rivers State

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four people who are suspected to be part of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang terrorizing residents in the state.

The police said this gang operated in areas like Obio/Akpor and Emohua Local Government Areas.

During the operation, officers seized five guns. This included two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one English-made double-barrel rifle, a locally made revolver pistol, and 58 rounds of live ammunition.

The police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, confirmed the arrests in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Agabe explained that the operation was ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju. The aim was to step up raids and focused actions against criminals.

The statement read, "The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang, recovered several firearms and ammunition following an intelligence-led operation."

On October 4, 2026, around 4 PM, the Commander of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) led a team of officers to Rumuekpe Community in Emohua Local Government Area.

Agabe continued, "Following the directives of CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcai, the police carried out these operations, which led to the arrest of the suspects."

The suspects were named as Chinemerem Uchewo, from Rumuekpe Community; Michael Ishaka, from Adabor Community in Eket Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State; Abdulahi George, from Oduoha Community in Emohua; and Gideon Okah, from Elele Alimini Community, also in Emohua. Okah was arrested in Owerri, Imo State.

Agabe mentioned that during questioning, the suspects admitted to several crimes. This includes the murder of Joseph Onyeka on July 23, 2026, in Rumuji Community, and shooting a police inspector.

She stated, "Initial investigations show their involvement in various armed robbery and kidnapping cases in Choba, Elele Alimini, Emohua, and Rumuekpe communities."

The suspects also confessed to the robbery and murder of Joseph Onyeka on July 23, 2026, in Rumuji Community. They were also involved in the attack on Inspector Womoma, who was on duty at a checkpoint along the East-West Road by Elele Alimini Junction on August 4, 2026.

Agabe added, "The items recovered include two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, one English-made double-barrel rifle, one locally made revolver pistol, and 58 rounds of live ammunition."

The police command is working hard to catch other members of the gang who are still on the run and to bring all those involved in these crimes to justice.

Meanwhile, Commissioner Adepoju praised the officers for their bravery and commitment to fighting violent crime in Rivers State. He promised residents that the police would keep increasing intelligence-led raids and targeted operations.

Adepoju warned criminals to stay away from crime. He said the police would do everything possible to catch those involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, and other serious crimes.

He also urged residents to stay alert and share any information about suspicious activities with the police. He assured them that such information would be kept confidential.