Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has declared that his officers and men in the state Police Command are winning the war against criminals and criminalities in the state.
He said this while addressing a press briefing, on Tuesday, at the state Police Command Headquarters, Port Harcourt, on the activities of the law enforcement agency in the last one week.
CP Adepoju made it known that the joint efforts of security agencies in Rivers State have, over the past week, among other successes, thwarted attempts by miscreants to vandalise pipeline.
He noted that the quick response of security agencies in the state led to the death of vandals caught in the process of trying to detonate a pipeline at Allu-Rumuekpe in Ikwerre Local Government Area on 16 March, 2025.
He said, in another instance, men of the security forces stormed the hideout of kidnappers along Omoku Road in Ahaoda East Local Government Area at about 0710 hours on the 21 March at about 0710, adding that eight male suspects were arrested and six male victims were rescued in the process.
“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 cartridge, three Q-link motorcycles and communication equipment, among other items.
“Another case of criminality was voided in Onelga Local Government Area on 19 March, 2025 where two suspects were arrested with four dynamites, four switches and detonating pods and other IED enablers.
“This is in addition to the destruction of 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 which were handled in line with extant regulations,” CP Adepoju disclosed.
He commended the joint patrol operations conducted by the Police, the military and other sister agencies, noting that they “diligently executed their mandate to support the objective of the State of Emergency in Rivers State.
“Our collective effort has been instrumental in sustaining the peace and calm currently enjoyed in our dear state.”
The Rivers State police commissioner also emphasised that the phase of security activities was a necessary measure aimed at preventing any potential breakdown of law and order.
“The decision to deploy a proactive policing strategy was informed by an emerging atmosphere that could have been exploited by troublemakers to plunge the state into insecurity and chaos.
“I assure the good people of Rivers State that this is a temporary phase, and in due time, we will all witness a more peaceful and secured state.
“Furthermore, I must stress the critical importance of securing critical national assets and infrastructures within Rivers State. These assets are vital, not only to the people of Rivers State, but to the entire nation.
“Consequently, it is the collective responsibility of all well-meaning residents of the state to ensure their protection, particularly against oil thieves, vandals, kidnappers, cultist and other criminals,” he said.
CP Adepoju, therefore, called on members of the public to provide the Police and other security agencies with credible intelligence regarding individuals or groups who are engaging in vandalism and their conspirators.
“We must take necessary and proactive measures to prevent any act that could deter current and potential investors.
“The safety and stability of our environment are paramount to fostering a thriving business climate, which in turn will contribute to the overall economic growth of the state and the nation at large.
“Together with the Armed Forces and other security agencies, we remain resolute in our commitment to protecting lives and property while upholding law and order.
“We unequivocally condemn any attempt or action aimed at vandalising oil pipelines and other public infrastructure.
“Let it be known that we are fully prepared to carry out our responsibilities with utmost diligence, and we will ensure that those who engage in any unlawful acts are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.
“In fulfillment of our security mandate, we have an increased deployment of security operatives to disrupt the movement of criminal elements and/or illicit materials who, in most cases, are known to move in unregistered vehicles.
“Additionally, a State Operations Room has been established to provide real-time surveillance and facilitate rapid response to security threats within the state.
“As a result, effective in seven (7) days, a targeted enforcement operation will commence to impound all vehicles operating without registered number plates, as well as those displaying improperly affixed or altered plate numbers, because such violations facilitate criminal activities.
“Vehicle owners in non-compliance are advised to utilise this grace period to ensure full compliance with vehicle registration requirements.
“The Rivers State Police Command continues to work in close collaboration with all stakeholders in the state and other security agencies to achieve a peaceful Rivers State.
“We also enjoin parents and guardians to properly educate their children and wards against sabotage and criminal conducts.
“I commend the good people of Rivers State and urge them to continue cooperating with security agencies as we strive towards maintaining peace, stability, and prosperity in our beloved state.
“In case of any information or emergency, you are also encouraged to contact the security agencies or call these lines- Control Room: 08032003514 and 08098880134; PPRO: 09014273818; CRU: 08120822987 and 09035774814,” he said.
