Police arrest suspected armed robber, recover firearms in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected armed robber and recovered multiple firearms and live ammunition during a targeted intelligence-led operation in the state.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing-Kaborlo, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the operation was carried out in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju.

According to the statement, operatives acting on credible intelligence swiftly moved into action and arrested the suspect, identified as Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo”, of the Aluu community in Rivers State.

Items recovered during the operation include one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns and five live cartridges.

ASP Blessing-Kaborlo said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is linked to a wider criminal network, adding that detectives are currently pursuing vital leads to identify and apprehend other members of the gang and uncover the full scope of their criminal activities.

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The statement further quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, as commending the operatives for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty while reaffirming the command’s determination to deny criminal elements any haven in the state.

Adepoju also urged residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious by promptly reporting suspicious persons, movements and activities to the police.

He stressed that public cooperation and the provision of credible intelligence remain indispensable to the collective effort to build a safer and more secure Rivers State.