Police arrest four robbery suspects, recover firearms in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command announced the arrest of four individuals suspected to be part of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang terrorizing the state. The suspects were apprehended after an intelligence-led operation in Rumuekpe Community, Emohua Local Government Area, on October 4, 2026.

The command recovered five firearms during the operation, including 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 suspects are Chinemerem Uchewo, Michael Ishaka, Abdulahi George, and Gideon Okah. Uchewo and George are from Emohua, while Ishaka is from Akwa Ibom, and Okah was arrested in Imo State.

During interrogation, the suspects confessed to several crimes, including the murder of Joseph Onyeka on July 23, 2026, and the shooting of a police inspector. The suspects also confessed to involvement in multiple armed robbery and kidnapping incidents in Choba, Elele Alimini, Emohua, and Rumuekpe communities.

Rivers State Police Commissioner, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the officers for their courage and professionalism in combating violent crime. He assured residents that the command would continue to intensify intelligence-led raids and targeted operations to dismantle criminal networks and recover illegal firearms. Adepoju urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information about suspicious activities in their communities.