Police bust illegal security outfit, arrest five in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has once again demonstrated its commitment to maintaining law and order by successfully dismantling an illegal security outfit operating under the guise of a 'Civilian Joint Taskforce' in Tai Local Government Area. This decisive action, taken in direct compliance with the Inspector General of Police's mandate to crack down on illegal arms and criminal groups, underscores the command's proactive approach to crime fighting.

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In furtherance of the strategic crime-fighting initiatives and proactive policing agenda of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on the intensification of intelligence-led policing and the clampdown on illegal arms and criminal groups nationwide, the Rivers State Police Command has continued to record significant operational successes in its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, curb the proliferation of unlawful firearms and rid the State of all forms of illegal security formations.

Operatives of the State Intelligence Department, acting on credible intelligence, executed a targeted operation that led to the arrest of five individuals and the recovery of dangerous weapons. The command has unequivocally stated that no such outfit is recognized or authorized by any government security agency, emphasizing that its existence was a false pretense for unlawful activities.

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In this major breakthrough, operatives of the command’s State Intelligence Department acting on credible and actionable intelligence successfully conducted a targeted operation on 6th May, 2026, at about 1400hrs, in Sakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

This breakthrough is a significant operational success for the Rivers State Police Command, reinforcing its efforts to curb the proliferation of firearms and rid the state of illegal security formations. The public can be assured that the command remains vigilant and dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.

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The operation led to the crackdown of an illegal security outfit operating under the guise of a so-called ‘Civilian Joint Task Force,’