Security operatives ‘foil attempt to bomb pipeline’ in Rivers, recover weapons

Olugbenga Adepoju, commissioner of police in Rivers, says security operatives have thwarted an attempt to vandalise a pipeline in Ikwerre and Emohua LGAs of the state.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, Adepoju said since the declaration of state of emergency in the state, security operatives have been working to ensure safety of citizens and their properties.

The police commissioner said on March 21, 2025, a joint team of security operatives, including police and military personnel, stormed a kidnappers’ hideout along Omoku road in Ahoada east LGA.

Adepoju said eight suspected kidnappers were arrested during the operation and six victims were rescued.

“Over the past week, the joint efforts of the security agencies in Rivers State have amongst other successes thwarted attempts by miscreants to vandalize pipeline which led to the death of the vandals in the process of trying to detonate a pipeline as a result of the quick response of the state security agencies at Aluu-Rumuekpe in Ikwerre LGA on 16 March 2025,” the police commissioner said.

“In another case of anti-criminal activities in the state, the men of the security forces stormed the hideout of kidnappers along Omoku Road in Ahoada east LGA on the 21 March 25 at about 0710 hours where 8 male suspects were arrested, and six 6 male victims were rescued.

“Items recovered during the arrest include 2 english made pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, 4 locally made single barrel guns with assorted rounds and cartridges, 3 Q-link motorcycles, communication equipment amongst other items.”

He also disclosed that two suspects were arrested with four dynamites and four switches and detonating pods at Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni (ONELGA) LGA on March 19, 2025.

The commissioner said the security operatives destroyed 30 illegal refining sites, 55 ovens, 20 reservoirs, 50 dug out pits, 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil and about 10,000 litres of illegally refined AGO.

He added that the Rivers police command is working with all stakeholders to achieve a peaceful Rivers state.

On March 18, President Bola Tinubu declared emergency rule in the oil-rich state over the political crisis and instability in the state.

He also suspended Siminalayi Fubara, governor of the state; his deputy, Ngozi Odu; and all members of the Rivers assembly for an initial period of six months.

The president immediately appointed Ibok-Ete Ibas, a retired naval chief, as the state’s sole administrator.