Several suspected vandals lost their lives while attempting to damage a pipeline in the Aluu and Rumuekpe communities of Rivers State, the police confirmed on Tuesday.
During a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, stated that the incident was part of a broader security effort to combat crime in the state.
“The joint security team prevented an attempted pipeline vandalism, resulting in the deaths of those involved,” Adepoju explained.
He highlighted that security operatives swiftly intervened at the Allu-Rumuekpe area in Ikwerre Local Government Area (LGA) on March 16, preventing what could have been a catastrophic explosion.
In a separate operation on March 19 in Onelga LGA, security forces apprehended two suspects found in possession of four dynamites, detonation devices, and other materials linked to the assembly of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).
Additionally, a raid on March 21 at a kidnappers’ den along Omoku Road in Ahoada East LGA led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and the rescue of six hostages.
Recovered items included various firearms, live ammunition, and communication gadgets.
Adepoju also revealed the establishment of a State Operations Control Room to improve real-time surveillance and rapid security response.
He cautioned against further acts of vandalism and criminal activities, stressing that security forces would track down and prosecute offenders.
As part of efforts to enhance security, the police will begin seizing unregistered vehicles across the state starting next week