Security operatives have foiled an attempt to vandalise a pipeline in Ikwerre and Emohua local governments (LGAs) of Rivers State.
Speaking at a press briefing, yesterday, Rivera state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, said since the declaration of State of emergency, security operatives have been working to ensure safety of citizens and their properties.
On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state over the political crisis and instability in the state.
He also suspended the state Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers state House of Assembly for an initial period of six months.
The president immediately appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.
The CP said on March 21, joint team of security operatives, including police and military personnel, stormed a kidnappers’ hideout along Omoku road in Ahoada East LGA.
Adepoju said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and six victims were rescued.
“Over the past week, the joint efforts of the security agencies in Rivers state have amongst other successes thwarted attempts by miscreants to vandalize pipeline which led to the death of the vandals in the process of trying to detonate a pipeline as a result of the quick response of the state security agencies at Aluu-Rumuekpe in Ikwerre LGA on 16 March 2025.
“In another case of anti-criminal activities in the state, the men of the security forces stormed the hideout of kidnappers along Omoku Road in Ahoada east LGA on March 21, at about 7:10 am where eight male suspects were arrested, and six male victims were rescued.
“Items recovered during the arrest include: Two English made pump action guns, two locally made pistols, four locally made single barrel guns with assorted rounds and cartridges, 3 Q-link motorcycles, communication equipment amongst other items.”
He also disclosed that two suspects were arrested with four dynamites and four switches and detonating pods at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) LGA on March 19, 2025.
The commissioner said the security operatives destroyed 30 illegal refining sites, 55 ovens, 20 reservoirs, 50 dug out pits, 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil and about 10,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.
He added that the Rivers state police command is working with all stakeholders to achieve a peaceful Rivers state.