The police command in River State has confirmed the neutralisation of an undisclosed number of suspected vandals trying to blowup pipeline in Aluu and Rumuekpe communities.
CP Olugbenga Adepoju, the commissioner of police in Rivers, shared this information with journalists in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, stating that the suspects died at the scene.
He elaborated that the operation was part of a continued collaborative effort with other security agencies to protect the state.
“The joint security forces successfully thwarted an attempt by criminals to vandalise a pipeline, resulting in the deaths of the perpetrators who intended to detonate it.
“The failed detonation was attributable to the rapid response of security personnel to the incident at Allu-Rumuekpe in the Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers on March 16,” he explained.
Mr Adepoju further revealed that following this success, security forces moved to Onelga LGA on March 19, where they prevented another potential bomb attack by criminals.
During this operation, two suspects were arrested with four dynamite sticks, detonating pods, and other components for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
“Subsequently, on March 21, our joint security forces raided a kidnappers’ hideout along Omoku Road in Ahoada East LGA, arresting eight suspected kidnappers.
“Six victims were rescued from the kidnappers’ den during this operation,” he confirmed.
Recovered items included two pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, four locally made single-barrel guns, live ammunition and cartridges, along with communication equipment.
Mr Adepoju also announced an increased deployment of security operatives to disrupt criminal activities throughout the state.
He noted that the joint security forces have established a state operations control room to provide real-time surveillance and facilitate prompt responses to security threats.
“To this end, within the next seven days, we will initiate enforcement operations to impound all vehicles operating without registered number plates, as such violations often support criminal activities.
“Vehicle owners who have not complied are encouraged 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 aimed at oil and gas pipelines and other public infrastructure in the state.
He assured the public that security forces are committed to identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting individuals involved in such unlawful activities.
