The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspects linked to an attack on police officers at a filling station in the Elioparanwo area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area. The suspects were also found with two rifles stolen during the incident.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the state police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrest came after weeks of investigation and surveillance. The attack happened on November 12 at Tonninno Filling Station, where armed criminals confronted police operatives and took away their weapons. The statement was reported by Punch news on Tuesday 2 December, 2025.
Iringe-Koko explained that after the attack, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take over the case and ensure the arrest of those responsible. She said the operatives used intelligence-led policing to track down the suspects and recover the rifles.
The arrested suspects were also linked to several other crimes in Port Harcourt and nearby communities. During questioning, the police said the suspects cooperated and provided useful information. Those arrested include Anselem Paul, 45; Supurchi Ejifor, 48; Bright Nwabueze, 53; Utibe Sunday, 24; and Ebuka Ruben, 32, who was said to be the mastermind of the attack.
The police added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
CP Adepoju commended the officers involved in the operation, saying the command will continue to pursue criminal groups and ensure that offenders face justice.
The police urged residents to remain calm and support security efforts across the state as investigations continue.