Rivers State Police Commissioner Olugbenga Adepoju announced breakthroughs restoring order post-President Tinubu’s emergency declaration.
He praised security forces Tuesday for foiling sabotage, rescuing hostages, and dismantling illegal refineries.
On March 16, officers intercepted armed vandals targeting an Ikwerre LGA oil pipeline. Swift action neutralized threats, averting environmental disaster; Adepoju condemned the reckless plot endangering communities.
On March 21, a joint task force raided a kidnappers’ den on Omoku Road. This pre-dawn operation freed six captives, arrested eight suspects, and seized weapons, highlighting the gang’s sophistication.
Furthermore, on March 19, police apprehended two men in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA while they possessed dynamite.
Authorities linked explosives to planned energy infrastructure attacks, intensifying crackdowns on sabotage networks.
Concurrent operations destroyed thirty illegal refineries, fifty-five ovens, and twenty crude reservoirs. Security forces confiscated 100,000 liters of stolen oil, disrupting the billion-naira black-market trade.
Amid these efforts, President Tinubu suspended Governor Fubara, his deputy, and the assembly March 18. Retired naval chief Ibok-Ete Ibas now oversees governance, prioritizing regional stability.
Commissioner Adepoju reaffirmed partnerships with communities and military units to eradicate crime. “We’re reclaiming Rivers street by street,” he vowed, urging public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities.
Recent successes stem from improved intelligence-sharing and rapid-response protocols, Adepoju noted. Collaborative efforts enabled preemptive strikes against criminal networks, preventing further escalation.
Residents express cautious optimism as security operations intensify across the state. “Progress is visible,” said trader Nkechi Okoro, whose brother survived a kidnapping ordeal.
Authorities aim to transform Rivers into a secure, prosperous region through sustained crackdowns. Adepoju emphasized that restoring order remains the government’s top priority moving forward.
The emergency declaration followed escalating violence threatening Nigeria’s economic stability and oil production. Tinubu’s intervention seeks to stabilize the oil-rich state amid rising tensions.
Security forces continue dismantling illegal refining operations fueling environmental degradation and economic losses. Daily raids target hidden sites, crippling syndicates profiting from stolen crude oil.
Community leaders applaud recent victories but urge long-term solutions addressing root causes. Poverty and unemployment drive youth toward crime, requiring holistic interventions beyond policing, they argue.
Meanwhile, rehabilitative programs for ex-militants and job creation initiatives gain traction. Such measures aim to reduce criminal recruitment, fostering sustainable peace in volatile regions.
Critics, however, question the emergency’s six-month timeline, demanding transparency in governance. They warn against militarization overshadowing civil liberties and democratic processes in Rivers.
Adepoju assured balanced approaches, combining security operations with community engagement and development. Regular dialogues with stakeholders ensure strategies align with local needs and aspirations.
As operations progress, authorities prioritize protecting critical infrastructure and vulnerable populations from attacks. Enhanced patrols secure pipelines, schools, and highways, deterring potential threats proactively.
The commissioner’s resolve reflects broader national efforts to combat oil theft and insecurity. Rivers’ revival, he asserts, will catalyze Nigeria’s economic recovery and global energy standing.
With public support and interagency collaboration, Adepoju remains confident in sustaining momentum. “Every success inspires greater commitment to securing our future,” he concluded optimistically.
Ultimately, Rivers State’s transformation hinges on persistent enforcement and inclusive growth strategies. Authorities pledge unwavering dedication until stability and prosperity become realities for all residents.
