The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly responsible for the brutal attack and killing of two police officers during a stop-and-search operation in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area.
In a statement by the State Police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed that firearms, including two service AK-47 rifles stolen from the slain officers, were recovered from the suspects.
According to Agabe, the arrests mark a major breakthrough in the investigation into the June 29, 2026 attack, during which the officers were ambushed while on routine duty.
She said one of the officers sustained severe injuries to his leg, which was later amputated, but he eventually died alongside his colleague. “Their service rifles were taken by the attackers.
“Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, ordered the immediate deployment of the Command’s operational and intelligence assets to track down those responsible and recover the stolen weapons.
“Acting on the directive, operatives of the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), codenamed AKU, launched intelligence-driven operations that led to the arrest of three suspects identified as Maduabuchi Emeka, alias “Doctor,” 34, from Egbata Community in Omoku; Chinedu Owhor, 42, from Akabuka, Omoku, but resident in Aluu Community; and Kamachi Joe, 28, also from Egbata Community, Omoku.”
The police spokesperson said the operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles, including the two earlier stolen from the murdered officers, as well as a Scorpion rifle.
“Investigators further disclosed that the suspects have allegedly linked themselves to other murder cases currently under investigation, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend a fourth gang member who remains at large”, Agabe said.
Commending the operatives for what he described as their professionalism, courage and dedication, Adepoju said the breakthrough underscored the Command’s determination to ensure that those who attack security personnel or engage in violent crimes are brought to justice.
The police commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and warned criminals to abandon unlawful activities or face the full weight of the law.
He also appealed to residents of the state to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information that would assist ongoing efforts to tackle crime and enhance public safety across Rivers State.
Blessing Ibunge
