Rivers Police Recover Two Rifles Stolen From Officers After Fuel Station Attack, Arrest Four Suspects

The Rivers State Police Command in a daring operation, has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the recent attack on
personnel on November 12, 2025, at Tonninno Filling Station, Elioparanwo Road, Port Harcourt with the arrest of suspects.

Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State directed the Operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) to take over the investigation and ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators and recovery of the stolen arms.

The Operatives, working on this specific directive, swung into action, utilizing intelligence led Policing and other technical support has arrested four suspects actively connected to the attack on the personnel, and recovered the two stolen rifles.

1. Ansalem Paul ‘m’ aged 45yrs from Mbaise LGA of Imo State,
2. Supurchi Ejiofor ‘m’, aged 48yrs aka Emejaka from Bende LGA of Abia State,
3. Bright Nwabueze ‘m’ aged 58yrs, aka Bishop, from Umuahia South LGA of Abia State,
4. Utibe Sunday ‘m’ aged 24yrs, from Ika LGA of Akwa-Ibom State.
5. Ebuka Reuben ‘m’ aged 32yrs from Ebonyi State was the Mastermind and leader of the attack on the Police personnel at the filling station.

During preliminary investigations voluntarily confessed to the crime and it was further revealed that the suspects have been involved in multiple crimes within the State.

The suspects and recovered rifles (exhibits) are currently in Police custody and they are cooperating with the Police investigation team.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang and recover the rest of their operational weapons.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, commends the diligence and professionalism /swift response of the Operatives in arresting the suspects and recovery of the rifles. The CP noted that the Police Command will continue to spread its tentacles to all the nooks and crannies of the State and ensure perpetrators of crime are made to face the full wrath of the law.

SP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO, ANIPR,
Police Public Relations Officer, Rivers State Police Command.
2/12/2025