The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of an armed robbery and kidnapping gang accused of killing a man and shooting a police inspector during separate attacks in the state.
The suspects allegedly confessed to robbing and murdering Joseph Onyeka in Rumuji community on July 23, 2026, and shooting Inspector Womoma, a police officer attached to the Rivers State Police Command, at a checkpoint along the East-West Road near Elele Alimini Junction on August 4.
The police said the arrests followed an intelligence-led operation in Rumuekpe community, Emohua Local Government Area, on October 4, 2026.
According to a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, on Wednesday, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit arrested three suspects during the operation, while the fourth suspect was subsequently apprehended in Owerri, Imo State.
The suspects were identified as Chinemerem Uchewo, from Rumuekpe community in Emohua LGA; Michael Ishaka, from Adabor community in Eket LGA, Akwa Ibom State; Abdulahi George, from Oduoha community in Emohua LGA; and Gideon Okah, from Elele Alimini community in Emohua LGA.
The police said preliminary investigations linked the suspects to several armed robbery and kidnapping incidents in Choba, Elele Alimini, Emohua and Rumuekpe communities.
During the operation, officers reportedly recovered six firearms, including two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action rifles, an English-made double-barrel rifle and a locally made revolver pistol.
The police also recovered 58 rounds of live ammunition.
The command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal syndicate and bring everyone connected to the alleged crimes to justice.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their professionalism and commitment to tackling violent crime.
He said the command would sustain intelligence-led raids, targeted operations and investigations to dismantle criminal networks and recover illegal firearms.
The police commissioner also urged criminals and their collaborators to abandon criminal activities, warning that the command would continue to pursue those involved in armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent offences.
He appealed to residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information about suspicious activities in their communities.
The command assured members of the public that information provided to the police would be treated confidentially.
It stated that residents can report emergencies or lodge complaints through the Police Complaint Response Unit on 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987 and 07072323049, or contact the police control room on 08032003514.
