The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a gang allegedly responsible for the killing of two police officers during a stop-and-search operation in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, recovering four firearms, including three AK-47 rifles.
The officers were attacked on June 29, 2026, when armed assailants launched what police described as a commando-style assault, opened fire on the patrol team and fled with the officers’ service rifles.
One of the officers reportedly sustained severe gunshot injuries that led to the amputation of a leg before he later died in hospital, while the second officer also lost his life in the attack.
Announcing the breakthrough in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police Blessing Agabe, said the arrests followed a directive by the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, ordering an intensive investigation, the arrest of the perpetrators and the recovery of the stolen weapons.
She said operatives of the Command’s Violence Crime Response Unit (VCRU), acting on credible intelligence and sustained tactical operations, tracked the suspects to their hideout, where they were apprehended.
According to the police, those arrested are Maduabuchi Emeka, alias “Doctor”, 34, from Egbata Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area; Chinedu Owhor, 42, an indigene of Akabuka in ONELGA but resident in Aluu; and Kamachi Joe, 28, also from Egbata Community in ONELGA.
Agabe disclosed that the operation led to the recovery of three AK-47 rifles and one Scorpion rifle, adding that one of the suspects had also been linked to other murder cases currently under investigation.
She said efforts had been intensified to arrest the fourth member of the gang, who remains at large.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism, gallantry and dedication, Adepoju said the successful operation underscored the Command’s determination to ensure that those who attack security personnel or engage in violent crimes are brought to justice.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at protecting lives and property while ridding the state of criminal elements.
He warned criminals to abandon unlawful activities or be prepared to face the full weight of the law, stressing that Rivers State would not serve as a sanctuary for violent offenders.
Adepoju also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with timely and credible information to strengthen ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety across the state.
