Five suspects in custody for attacking Rivers cops, rifles recovered

The Rivers State Police Command says it has arrested five suspected criminals who attacked its operatives at a filling station in Elioparanwo in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.

The police said that since the attack early last month, its operatives had been on the trail of the criminals who carted away rifles belonging to the policemen.

The spokesman for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

Iringe-Koko said their arrest followed a directive by the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, who instructed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the investigation.

The statement reads, “The Rivers State Police Command, in a daring operation, has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the recent attack on personnel on November 12, 2025, at Tonninno Filling Station, Elioparanwo Road, Port Harcourt, with the arrest of suspects.

“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, directed the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the investigation and ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators and recovery of the stolen arms.

“The operatives, working on this specific directive, swung into action, utilising intelligence-led policing and other technical support, arrested four suspects actively connected to the attack on the personnel, and recovered the two stolen rifles.”

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, further said the suspects are linked to several crimes in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state.

“During preliminary investigations, it was revealed that the suspects have been involved in multiple crimes within the state.

“The suspects and recovered rifles (exhibits) are currently in police custody, and they are cooperating with the Police investigation team.

“The suspects are Anselem Paul, (M), 45 years, from Imbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, Sopuruchi Ejiofor, aka Emejaka, aged 48, from Bende LGA of Abia State; Bright Nwabueze, aka Bishop, 53 years, from Umuahia South LGA of Abia State; and Utibe Sunday, 24 years, from Ika LGA of Akwa Ibom State.”

The state police image maker further stated that one Ebuka Ruben, aged 32, from Ebonyi State, who “brought the job that led to the attack on the filling station,” has also been nabbed.

“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover the rest of their operational weapons,” she added.

Speaking, Adepoju lauded the operatives for their diligence, professionalism and swift response in arresting the suspects and recovering the rifles.

He noted that the command under his watch will continue to spread its tentacles to all the nook and cranny of the state and ensure perpetrators of crime face the full wrath of the law.