The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 18 suspects and recovered 47 firearms, 12 stolen vehicles and 420 rounds of live ammunition during operations conducted between June and August 2026. The command also recovered five additional live cartridges, 11 cutlasses and other exhibits.

One major breakthrough followed the June 29 attack on police officers attached to Aluu Division, in which two officers were killed and others injured. Police subsequently arrested three alleged members of the gang linked to the attack: Maduabuchi Emeka, also known as “Doctor” and described as the alleged gang leader; Chinepu Owo; and Kamachi Joe, identified as the alleged armourer. Two AK-47 rifles stolen during the attack were later recovered from a hideout in Omogwa.

Police also reported arrests linked to a kidnapping syndicate allegedly operating around Obiguluka and neighbouring communities. Several suspects were arrested, with an AK-47 rifle and a submachine gun recovered from two alleged members of the network identified as Anende Ogugu and Kenneth Eke.

In another operation, officers recovered two Beretta pistols, 97 rounds of ammunition and a live cartridge from the residence of Oguma Yeye Addison, following a complaint that he had allegedly threatened a woman with a firearm. Other suspects were also arrested in connection with alleged armed robbery and cult-related activities.

The command further said it arrested suspected members of a “one-chance” robbery syndicate and recovered three vehicles allegedly linked to car theft. One suspect, Andrew Atcalcy, was reportedly arrested while dressed in military uniform and driving a Toyota Hilux painted in army colours. Police said he admitted he was not a member of the armed forces.

Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Police Command is investigating separate cases involving young men accused of attacking their parents. One case concerns 32-year-old Peter Michael Sinamai, who was arrested after allegedly killing his father and dumping his remains in a well in Sangere Quarters, Gombi Local Government Area.

Another incident occurred in Mayo-Belwa, where 20-year-old John Mamud was arrested over an alleged violent confrontation involving his mother. Mamud reportedly attributed the incident to anger and longstanding family tensions and appealed for forgiveness. Police said investigations into both cases are ongoing.

The Rivers command said it would continue intelligence-led operations against criminal networks and strengthen cooperation with other security agencies, while the Adamawa police urged residents to report domestic violence and threats before family disputes escalate.