Rivers: Police arrest robbery kingpin, recover live ammunitions

Police operatives in Rivers State have arrested a notorious suspected gunrunner and armed robbery kingpin, Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo,” at Aluu village, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, and the recovered multiple firearms and live ammunition in a targeted intelligence-led operation.
 
Rivers State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Kaborlo Agabe, who disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Port Harcourt, the state capital, said the suspect is linked to a wider criminal network in the state.Agabe listed weapons recovered from the suspect to include one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns, and five live cartridges.

She said that investigation is currently ongoing to get vital leads aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the gang, as well as uncovering the full scope of their activities.

She said, “The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another major operational success in its relentless campaign against violent crime, with the arrest of a suspected armed robber and the recovery of multiple firearms and live ammunition in a targeted intelligence-led operation.

“In line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcia, and acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Command arrested the suspect, one Austine Emenike, popularly known as “Oyibo,” of Aluu Village, Rivers State. Exhibits recovered include: one locally made pistol, four single-barrel guns, and five live cartridges.

“Preliminary findings revealed that the suspect is linked to a wider criminal network. Investigators are currently pursuing vital leads aimed at identifying and arresting other members of the gang, as well as uncovering the full scope of their activities.

“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcia, commended the operatives for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty. He reaffirmed the Command’s determination to deny criminals any safe haven within the State.”

She quoted the Commissioner of Police as saying, “This arrest and the recovery of these dangerous weapons underscore our resolve to proactively tackle violent crime and protect the law-abiding people of Rivers State. We will continue to intensify intelligence-driven operations until criminal elements are completely rooted out.”

She added, “CP Adepoju further called on residents to remain vigilant and security-conscious, urging them to promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the Police. He emphasised that public cooperation and credible intelligence remain indispensable in the collective effort to build a safer and more secure Rivers State.”