Joint security forces in Rivers State have intensified operations in a forest that criss-crosses two local government areas, Ikwerre and Etche LGs, dismissing claims of suspected herdsmen settlement there.

During a raid of the area by the police last week, the spokesperson for the state police command, Blessing Agabe, in a statement, said an AK-47 rifle belonging to the missing vigilante leader was recovered.

The security agencies also asserted that the area has been secured.

Recall that the leader of a local vigilante group codenamed ‘OSPAC’ in Ipo community in Ikwerre LGA, Collins Ohahurun, was allegedly abducted by suspected herdsmen earlier in April when he led his men on a search in the forest.

Meanwhile, Tuesday’s coordinated operation, led by the Nigeria Police Force alongside the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and local vigilante groups, targeted the forest formerly known as a rubber estate following intelligence on criminal activities.

The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, said the operation was aimed at verifying reports alleging that armed herdsmen domiciled there and had established a fortified base in the area, which he dismissed as false.

Adepoju stated, “Today we moved into the Ipo community, where there has been misinformation about herdsmen residing in the forest having solar panels, boreholes, and settled there in their numbers.”

He, however, dismissed the reports as false after a joint inspection of the area by the police, other security operatives, and journalists.

“Today we went there, nothing of such was found. The forest is devoid of any criminality,” the state police boss stated.

Adepoju recalled that an earlier raid of the forest in April had already dislodged suspected criminal elements, following a clash between members of the vigilante group (OSPAC) and suspected herders, which led to the abduction of a vigilante leader.

According to him, security forces recovered weapons during the raids, including “an AK-47 rifle, 274 rounds of live ammunition and a pump-action gun.”

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Adepoju added that sustained patrols and bush-combining exercises have continued to deny criminals access to the area, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted vigilante operative.

“We are still on the lookout to rescue the abducted OSPAC personnel; our men have dominated the area,” the state police chief added, even as he warned local vigilante groups against unlawful detention of suspects.

“Everybody has the power to arrest, but you have to ensure you hand over such people to the Police. To arrest and detain as a private security outfit is wrong and criminal,” he cautioned.

Adepoju urged communities to prioritise intelligence-sharing with security agencies rather than undertaking independent operations.

Local authorities corroborated the police position, dismissing claims that the forest had become a hub for kidnappers or armed groups.

The leader of Ikwerre Legislative Assembly and Councilor representing Omagwa, Mr Samuel Ogbone, while speaking to newsmen, said, “To the best of my knowledge, the Ikwerre council chairman has been doing his best in collaboration with the police and the military.”

Ogbone dismissed claims that the criminals whose camp was destroyed by Joint Security Forces on April 12, 2026, returned and re- established a camp powered by solar panels.

He also debunked information that the Ipo community is a safe haven for kidnappers, saying, “The indigenes of Ipo are still living here, and none of them have left their home.”

Also, Mr. Chinedu Ohahurun, elder brother to the missing OSPAC leader (Collins), said the community and security agencies are working together to ensure the rescue of his brother, though he said the latter’s family are traumatised over his absence.

“If you go to our community town hall, you will see the police there. The community and the Police are not sleeping day and night to make sure my brother is rescued. I also thank the security agencies for their efforts. This is the fifth time we are entering the bush looking for my brother.

“The wife, children of my brother, are really down, including my mother. My family is traumatized. Wherever he is, they should release him,” Ohahurun pleaded. (The PUNCH)

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