A joint security operation has led to the destruction of suspected criminal camps and the recovery of firearms and ammunition in Rivers State.

The April 12, 2026 raid targeted hideouts used by kidnappers and other criminal groups.

In a statement, the Rivers State Police Command said tactical teams carried out the operation in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Police said the action followed directives from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to strengthen security and inter-agency coordination nationwide.

Security operatives stormed camps at IPO and Igwuruta-Ali, dismantling key hideouts. Recovered items included an AK-47 rifle, a pump-action gun, 274 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four cartridges, locally made bulletproof materials, an iron cutter and communication equipment.

Preliminary investigations indicate the pump-action gun may belong to the leader of a local vigilante group, OSPAC, who was reportedly abducted before the operation.

One suspect was arrested at the scene, while others fled. Authorities have launched a manhunt for the fleeing suspects.

“The criminal camps were destroyed, and investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehending those at large and rescuing the kidnapped victim,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, said the command remains committed to protecting lives and property. He urged residents to provide timely, credible information and to use the command’s emergency lines to report suspicious activity as efforts to curb crime intensify. (The Guardian)