The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected members of a notorious armed robbery and kidnapping gang and recovered six firearms and 58 rounds of live ammunition from the suspects.
The suspects, identified as Chinemerem Uchiewọ, Michael Ishaka and Gideon Okah, were arrested by police detectives following investigations into a series of armed robbery and kidnapping incidents across parts of the state.
According to the Command, Okah was arrested in Owerri, Imo State, while the other two suspects were apprehended in Rivers State.
The suspects allegedly confessed to multiple armed robbery and kidnapping operations in Choba, Elele-Alimini, Emohua Local Government Area and Rumuokpe community.
The police said the gang also confessed to the robbery and murder of Joseph Onyeka in Rumuji community on July 23, 2026.
They were further linked to the August 4, 2026 attack on Inspector Womoma Nnanna, attached to the police Quick Intervention Unit (QIU), at Elele-Alimini Junction along the East-West Road.
The officer was reportedly shot during the attack, while the gang allegedly snatched his AK-47 rifle.
Police detectives subsequently recovered two AK-47 rifles, including the weapon allegedly stolen from the injured officer, two pump-action rifles, one English-made double-barrel gun and one locally made revolver pistol.
The operation also led to the recovery of 58 rounds of live 7.65mm ammunition.
The Police Command said the suspects and recovered exhibits had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Port Harcourt, where investigations were ongoing.
The Command said the arrests formed part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks responsible for armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.