Police Bust Illegal Security Outfit, Arrest Five Suspects, Recover Firearms
•By Admin
PORT HARCOURT – OPERATIVES of the Rivers State Police Command has busted an illegal security outfit operating in Tai Local Government Area, arresting five suspects and recovering firearms in a coordinated intelligence-led operation.
The breakthrough followed sustained efforts by the Command to intensify intelligence-driven policing and clamp down on illegal arms and unauthorised security formations across the country at the behest of the
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
A statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed that operatives of the Command’s State Intelligence Department (SID) acting on credible intelligence stormed Sakpenwa community in Tai LGA, on May 6, 2026, at about 2:00 p.m., where the suspects were operating under the guise of “Civilian Joint Taskforce.”
ASP Agabe added that the raid led to the arrest of five individuals identified as Precious Mene (female, 31), from Gokana LGA, Blessing Felix (female, 25), from Sagbama LGA,Barine Gaviga (male, 32), from Gokana LGA,Joy Ndornyie (female, 26), from Tai LGA and Muhammed Ibrahim (male, 35), from Jigawa State
She further disclosed that firearms and other incriminating materials were recovered during the operation. Investigations are ongoing to determine the group’s activities, sources of arms, and possible links to criminal networks operating within the state.
Agabe reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustained operations aimed at dismantling illegal security groups, curbing the proliferation of small arms, and strengthening public safety across Rivers State, stating that three locally fabricated pump-action rifles were recovered from the suspects during the operation.
She further disclosed that preliminary investigation showed the group had been operating unlawfully under the false pretence of providing security services, emphasizing that there is no recognised or legally authorised security outfit known as “Civilian Joint Taskforce” operating under the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security agency within Rivers State.
The Command’s spokeswoman also stressed that civilians are not permitted by law to bear, possess, or operate firearms without lawful authorisation, warning that individuals or groups involved in illegal security operations or unlawful possession of arms will be decisively dealt with in accordance with extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, stressing that investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the group’s activities and any other unauthorised operations within the State.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju has reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across Rivers State.
He warned criminal elements and unlawful groups to desist from illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
The CP also urged residents to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and to continue supporting the Police by providing timely and credible information to aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and sustain peace, safety, and public order in the State.