Security forces arrest two suspected bombers, foil attack in Rivers

Police. Photo Credit: Elliot Ovadje

A team of security officers said they arrested two suspected bombers in Rivers State’s Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area.

The suspects were caught with four dynamites and other explosive-making materials.

The police said this arrest stopped a planned attack.

The suspects also had four switches and detonating pads when they were caught.

Also, eight men believed to be herdsmen were arrested for allegedly kidnapping and committing other crimes along the Omoku-Ahoada section of the East Road.

Six of their victims were rescued.

The security team found them in their hideout in the Ahoada East Local Government Area.

The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, shared these details at a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Tuesday.

Adepoju also confirmed that some vandals died while trying to blow up a pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area.

He said, “Over the past week, security agencies in Rivers State have prevented several crimes. One of these was an attempt to vandalise a pipeline, which led to the death of the vandals when they tried to detonate it. The quick response of security operatives on March 16, 2025, stopped the attack.

“In another case, security officers raided a kidnappers’ hideout along Omoku Road in Ahoada East on March 21, 2025, at about 7:10am. They arrested eight suspects and rescued six victims.

“During the arrest, officers recovered two English-made pump action guns, two locally made pistols, four single-barrel guns, several rounds of ammunition, three Q-link motorcycles, and communication devices, among other items.

“On March 19, 2025, security officers also stopped another crime in Onelga LGA. They arrested two suspects with four dynamites, four switches, detonating pods, and other materials used to make explosives. In addition, security forces destroyed 30 illegal oil refining sites, 55 ovens, 20 reservoirs, 50 dug-out pits, 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and 10,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.”

Adepoju praised the ‘Joint Patrol Operations’ by the police, Armed Forces, and other agencies. He said their efforts have helped maintain peace in Rivers State.

“Our joint efforts have kept our state safe. These security activities are necessary to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” he said.

He also announced that a State Operations Room has been set up for real-time surveillance and quick response to security threats.

A one-week operation will start soon to seize vehicles without registered number plates or those with fake or improperly attached plates.

“These violations make crime easier. Vehicle owners should take this grace period to register their vehicles properly,” Adepoju said.

He added that security forces are focusing on stopping criminals from using unregistered vehicles to transport illegal materials.

He assured the public that security officers are committed to protecting important assets in the state and urged people to report suspicious activities for quick action.