PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, has announced the successful thwarting of a pipeline vandalism attempt in the Ikwerre and Emohua local government areas (LGAs) of the state, following increased security measures.
Adepoju disclosed that security operatives have been working tirelessly since the declaration of a state of emergency in the state to ensure the safety of citizens and their properties.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Adepoju revealed that on March 16, 2025, a joint operation by police and military personnel led to the death of vandals who were attempting to detonate a pipeline in Aluu-Rumuekpe, Ikwerre LGA.
The quick response of the state security agencies prevented the attack and resulted in the deaths of the perpetrators.
“In the process of trying to detonate a pipeline, miscreants attempting to vandalise the pipeline were killed,” Adepoju said, highlighting the effectiveness of the response.
He further commended the efforts of security agencies in combating criminal activities in the region.
In another successful operation, on March 21, 2025, a joint team stormed a kidnappers’ hideout along Omoku Road in Ahoada East LGA.
The operation resulted in the arrest of eight male suspects and the rescue of six victims who had been held captive.
Among the items recovered during the arrest were two English-made pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, four locally made single-barrel guns, assorted rounds and cartridges, three Q-link motorcycles, and communication equipment.
Additionally, Adepoju reported that two suspects were arrested on March 19, 2025, in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA (ONELGA) with four dynamites and detonating pods.
The commissioner noted the seizure of significant criminal assets during these operations, including illegal refining equipment.
As part of the ongoing crackdown on illegal oil activities, security operatives destroyed 30 illegal refining sites, 55 ovens, 20 reservoirs, and 50 dug-out pits.
The operations also led to the seizure of 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil and approximately 10,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
The police commissioner assured that the Rivers State Police Command is committed to ensuring peace in the state, working closely with various stakeholders.
“We are working with all stakeholders to achieve a peaceful Rivers state,” he affirmed.
This announcement follows President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in the state on March 18, 2025, in response to the political instability and crisis within the oil-rich region.
