Rivers CP Directs DPO To Arrest Arm Bearing Vigilante Groups, Reiterates Calls Not To Detain Suspects

A Concerned Journalist has raised alarm over arms welding vigilante groups wielding various form of assault rifles within the port Harcourt environs.

he said of late it’s been observed that some Vigilante group members in Port Harcourt particularly in Diobu axis are bearing arms. For instance, some are seen at Oando filing station at Mile 3 Ikwerre road, parading with pump action riffles. Some also bear the arms while on patrol in full glare of public.
It was also reported that they detain suspects. asking if the Rivers State Police command gave Vigilance group members in Port Harcourt licence to bear arms. as there are insinuation and rumours  within the communities that the state Police command approved the guns for the Vigilante group members. who are also accused of having power to detain suspects at will?

When contacted The Rivers state Police Public Relations Officer Grace Iringe-Koko  said vigilante’s are not  licensed to bear arms. She said the commissioner of police Cp Okon Effiong Okon has directed the DPOs within that jurisdiction to arrest anyone seen with arms Waring also that vigilantes do not have such powers to detain any body, she said if arrest is made, suspects must be handed over to the police

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