The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed that several suspected vandals were killed while attempting to damage a pipeline in the Aluu and Rumuekpe communities.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, informed journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday that the suspects died at the scene.
He clarified that this operation was part of a collaborative effort with other security agencies to protect the state.
“The joint security forces successfully thwarted an attempt by miscreants to vandalise a pipeline, leading to the death of the vandals who sought to detonate it.
“The failed detonation was due to the swift response of security personnel to the incident at Allu-Rumuekpe in Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers on March 16,” he stated.
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Commissioner Adepoju also reported that, subsequent to the earlier operation, security forces moved into Onelga Local Government Area on March 19th, where they successfully prevented a planned bomb attack by criminal elements.
He stated that during this operation, two suspects were apprehended and found to be in possession of four dynamites, detonating pods, and various components used in the construction of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“Subsequently, on March 21, our joint security forces raided a kidnappers’ hideout along Omoku Road in Ahoada East LGA, leading to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers.
“Six victims were rescued from the kidnapper’s den during the operation,” he said.
The recovered items included two pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, four locally made single-barrel guns, live ammunition and cartridges, and communication devices.
Commissioner Adepoju also announced an increased deployment of security personnel aimed at disrupting criminal activities throughout the state.
He further stated that the joint security forces have established a State Operations Control Room to conduct real-time surveillance and enable swift responses to security threats.
“To this end, within the next seven days, we will commence enforcement operations to impound all vehicles operating without registered number plates, as such violations often aid criminal activities.
“Vehicle owners who have not complied are advised to take advantage of this grace period to obtain the necessary registration documents,” he stated.
The police officer issued a strong warning against any further acts of vandalism targeting oil and gas pipelines, as well as other public infrastructure within the state.
He assured that security forces are committed to identifying, arresting, and prosecuting anyone involved in these illegal activities.
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