The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects over a violent attack on Unity Estate, Mbodo–Aluu, along Airport Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area.
Police said the attack, which occurred around 1:15 p.m. on January 5, was carried out by suspected members of the OSPAC vigilante group and hired thugs, who invaded the estate in a commando-style operation, firing shots indiscriminately and damaging vehicles and property.
A resident, Apostle Stephen Nmacha, sustained a gunshot injury to the leg and was briefly abducted before being rescued by security operatives.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said officers from the Choba Division, supported by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and Octopus Tactical Team, responded swiftly to a distress call, arrested the suspects, rescued the victim and recovered several exhibits.
Items recovered include one automatic pump-action gun, live and spent cartridges, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and a Siena vehicle.
Police identified Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince as alleged coordinators of the attack, while the Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike (aka Ocean), who reportedly led the operation, remains at large.
Condemning the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, described the actions of the vigilante members as reckless and reprehensible, stressing that OSPAC operatives must work strictly under police supervision.
He assured residents of continued security and vowed that all fleeing suspects would be arrested and prosecuted, urging members of the public to provide useful information to aid ongoing investigations.
