“8 kidnappers arrested, 6 victims rescued, 30 illegal refining sites destroyed ” CP Adepoju
Oredola Adeola
Pipeline vandals met their Waterloo on March 16, 2025, as they were killed by joint patrol operatives while attempting to vandalize and detonate a crude oil pipeline at Allu and Rumuekpe in Ikwerre LGA, Rivers State.
The operatives intensified efforts over the last ten days, dismantling various illicit operations. On March 21, 2025, at about 7:10 a.m., security forces stormed a kidnappers’ hideout along Omoku Road in Ahoada East LGA, leading to the arrest of eight male suspects and the rescue of six male victims.
During the operation, security personnel recovered an array of weapons and items, including two English-made pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, four locally made single-barrel guns with assorted rounds and cartridges, three Q-link motorcycles, communication equipment, and other incriminating materials.
Additionally, on March 19, 2025, operatives thwarted another act of criminality in Onelga LGA, arresting two suspects found in possession of four dynamites, four switches, detonating pods, and other improvised explosive device (IED) components.
These recent actions complement the security forces’ ongoing fight against illegal refining activities, which have seen the destruction of 30 illegal refining sites, 55 ovens, 20 reservoirs, 50 dugout pits, 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and approximately 10,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), all handled in accordance with extant regulations.
CP Olugbenga Adepoju, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, made this known during a session with journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.
Adepoju commended the Joint Patrol Operations conducted by the Police, the Armed Forces, and other sister agencies, praising their commitment to executing their mandate in support of the ongoing state of emergency in Rivers State.
According to him, “Our collective effort has been instrumental in sustaining the peace and calm currently enjoyed in our dear state.
“It is imperative to emphasize that this phase of security activities is a necessary measure aimed at preventing any potential breakdown of law and order.
“The decision to deploy a proactive policing strategy was informed by an emerging atmosphere that could have been exploited by troublemakers to plunge the state into insecurity and chaos.”
The CP assured Rivers State residents that both in the immediate phase and in the long term, they would witness an even more peaceful and secure environment.
He noted that the efforts to safeguard critical national assets and infrastructure are vital not only to Rivers State but to the nation as a whole.
He therefore urged residents of the state to take collective responsibility in protecting these assets against oil thieves, vandals, kidnappers, cultists, and other criminals.
Adepoju also called on members of the public to provide credible intelligence to the Police and other security agencies regarding individuals or groups involved in vandalism and related crimes.
“We must take necessary and proactive measures to prevent any act that could deter current and potential investors.
“The safety and stability of our environment are paramount to fostering a thriving business climate, which in turn will contribute to the overall economic growth of the state and the nation at large,” he said.
He reiterated that the Police Force, Armed Forces, and other security agencies strongly condemn any attempts to vandalize oil pipelines and public infrastructure.
He affirmed their preparedness to discharge their responsibilities with diligence and resolve.
Adepoju further disclosed an increased deployment of security operatives to monitor and disrupt the movement of criminal elements and illicit materials, often transported in unregistered vehicles.
To enhance security operations, he announced the establishment of the State Operations Room, which will provide real-time surveillance and facilitate rapid responses to security threats.
“As a result, effective in seven (7) days, a targeted enforcement operation will commence to impound all vehicles operating without registered number plates, as well as those displaying improperly affixed or altered plate numbers, because such violations facilitate criminal activities.
“Vehicle owners in non-compliance are advised to utilize this grace period to ensure full compliance with vehicle registration requirements,” CP Adepoju stated.
