The Rivers State Police Command records another milestone in the fight against crime and criminality by raiding a notorious killer criminal syndicate and other perpetrators of violence
By Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
In line with the proactive crime-fighting strategies of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, aimed at combating violent crimes and strengthening public safety across the state, and in line with directives of the IGP, Olatunji Disu, the command has recorded a major breakthrough in the investigation of a case involving alleged murder and robbery, leading to the arrest of three suspects and recovery of the stolen vehicle.
What appeared to be a routine transport job for a traditional wedding ended in a tragedy after a commercial driver reportedly vanished, only for investigators to uncover a chilling plot and a shallow grave.
Tentacle learnt that the deceased was hired at Garrison Park, Port Harcourt, by the suspects under the guise of transporting them to Andoni Local Government Area for a traditional marriage ceremony, unknown to him they had a sinister mission to murder him and dispossess him of his vehicle, a black Daihatsu Hijet mini-bus with registration Number BGM 328 AA. Further investigation later led to the shocking discovery of the victim’s remains buried in a shallow grave at Asarama community in Andoni Local Government Area.
The arrested suspects involved in the murder case are: David Mark, male 30 years, a native of Andoni LGA, Nikaji Williams, male 45 years, also a native of Andoni LGA, and Godgift John, male, 33 years, a native of Okrika LGA of Rivers State.
Acting on the operational directives of the Commissioner of Police, operatives of the command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Diobu, immediately launched a painstaking intelligence-driven investigation which culminated in the arrest of the three suspects on 2nd June, 2026.
According to police statement, during the operation, the stolen black Daihatsu Hijet mini-bus with registration number BGM 328 AA was successfully recovered, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) mortuary for preservation and further examination. Investigation is still ongoing, and concerted efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fourth suspect who is currently at large.
In the statement, the Rivers State Police Command urges members of the public to exercise caution when entering transportation or business arrangements with unfamiliar persons especially for long-distance or late-night trips. Commercial drivers are strongly advised to always inform family members, colleagues or trusted associates before embarking on such journeys.
Residents are also encouraged to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines. The command reassures the good people of Rivers State of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that criminals elements have no safe haven within the state.
According to Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command, ASP Agabe Blessing Isabor, the emergency contacts: Complainant Response Unit (CRU) 07057605256, 08120822987, 0707237049. And Control Room: 08037003514.
In a related development, the Imo State Police Command, under the strategic leadership of CP Auchi Garba Bosso has recorded another significant breakthrough in the investigation into cases of armed robbery, attempted murder and vehicle snatching.
The operation conducted by operatives of Anti-Kidnapping Unit and led by ACP Oladimeji Odeyemi, resulted in the arrest of five (5) suspects. The operatives also recovered one snatched shuttle bus and four hundred and fifty (450) motorcycle motorcycles suspected to be stolen. Additionally, a cash sum of six million, four hundred and ninety-five thousand Naira (N6,495,000), several vehicle plate numbers and other incriminating exhibits including criminal charms were recovered from the suspects’ hideout.
It is further noted that the suspects allegedly made an attempt to compromise the operatives with a cash inducement of five million Naira (N5,000,000) which was firmly rejected in line with the command’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and commitment to professional policing.
The incident was reported on May 24, 2026 at about 0900 hours, following a distress call from one Chimezie Christian of Urata, Owerri-North Local Government Area, owner of Wonder Shuttle. He reported that his driver Paul Ejike Ohaka who left on 24th May 2026 with a bus bearing registration number KPU 26 XA, failed to return as scheduled.
Subsequently, the driver was found unconscious at Irete along the Onitsha Road axis, while the vehicle had been forcefully taken by unknown assailants. He was immediately evacuated to Vaden Hospital, New Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention.
Acting on the report, operatives commenced a coordinated investigation which led to the recovery of the vehicle at a workshop in Orlu, where it was discovered and was about to be repainted in an attempt to conceal its identity. Two suspects, Olagoke Jelihi and Goddy Edilie were arrested at the scene.
Further investigation led to the arrest of Okechukwu Prince and Raymond Odinaka who confessed to acting on the instructions of a fleeing suspect Osita Chigbo, alias “Barr Oguta”, receiver of stolen vehicles, was also arrested.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of thirteen (13) motorcycles suspected to be stolen, while follow-up operations resulted in additional nine recoveries bringing the total to four hundred and fifty (450) suspected stolen motorcycles and other exhibits.
The suspects were unable to provide valid proof of ownership for the recovered motorcycles within the period of investigation. Rather, the syndicates allegedly attempted to relocate the motorcycles to near bush paths in a bid to evade police detection. However, acting on credible intelligence, operatives swiftly intercepted the movement, leading to the large-scale recovery of the motor cycles.
According to the report, the operation reflects the command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and its resolve to ensure that criminal elements have no safe haven within the state. The command appreciates members of the public for their continued cooperation and encourages sustained support through timely and credible information sharing.
Similarly, panic broke out at Ukwa West/Chins Company located at Ukwa West Local Government Area of Abia State after heavily armed security operatives carried out a surprise raid, leading to the arrest of 21 suspected drug traffickers and criminal elements.
According to eye witnesses, the operation was conducted under Operation Eastern Sanity, involved troops from the 144 Battalion (Rear) of the Nigerian Army, alongside personnel from the Nigerian Navy component and Nigerian Air Force base 5N Quick Response Group. It was further learnt that the security team stormed the market and nearby bushes following intelligence reports of alleged illegal activities in the area.
Residents watched in shock as security forces sealed off the market and blocked all escape routes before carrying out extensive searches on suspected hideouts linked to crude oil bunkering, pipeline vandalism, illegal petroleum dealings and drug trafficking.
During the operation, troops reportedly recovered large quantities of illicit substance, including Indian hemp, fizzler and suspected hard drugs known as “ice”. Security operatives also seized N103,000 allegedly connected to illegal activities.
