Rivers police arrest notorious armed robber, recover firearms and ammunition

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious armed robber and recovered firearms and live ammunition.

The spokesperson for the command, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday, June 29, 2026 said the suspects identified as Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo,” is linked to a wider criminal network. 

She added that efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang, as well as uncover the full scope of their activities. 

“The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another major operational success in its relentless campaign against violent crime, with the arrest of a suspected armed robber and the recovery of multiple firearms and live ammunition in a targeted intelligence-led operation,” the statement read.

“In line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcia, acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command swift into action and arrested the suspect, one Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo,” of Aluu Village, Rivers State. 

“Exhibit recovered includes: one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns, and five live cartridges.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect is linked to a wider criminal network.

“Investigators are currently pursuing vital leads aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the gang, as well as uncovering the full scope of their activities.”

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty. 

He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to deny criminals any safe haven within the State.

“This arrest and the recovery of these dangerous weapons underscore our resolve to proactively tackle violent crime and protect the law-abiding people of Rivers State. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations until criminal elements are completely rooted out,” the CP stated. 

CP Adepoju further called on residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, urging them to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the Police. 

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