The Rivers State Police Command said its operatives have smashed an illegal security outfit tagged ‘Civilian Joint Taskforce’ in Tai Local Government Area of the state, arresting five suspects comprising three females and recovered three locally made pump action rifles.
The command said the crackdown was sequel to the recent directive by the Inspector General of Police, Olatunjo Disu, for the police to clamp down on illegal arms and criminal groups across the country.
A statement by the spokesperson for the state police command, Blessing Agabe, issued in Port Harcourt on Thursday said acting on credible information, operatives stormed the area and swooped on the outfit.
“In furtherance of the strategic crime-fighting initiatives and proactive policing agenda of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on the intensification of intelligence-led policing and the clampdown on illegal arms and criminal groups nationwide, the Rivers State Police Command has continued to record significant operational successes in its sustained efforts to dismantle criminal networks, curb the proliferation of unlawful firearms and rid the State of all forms of illegal security formations.
“In this major breakthrough, operatives of the command’s State Intelligence Department acting on credible and actionable intelligence successfully conducted a targeted operation on 6th May, 2026, at about 1400hrs, in Sakpenwa, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“The operation led to the crackdown of an illegal security outfit operating under the guise of a so-called ‘Civilian Joint Task Force,’” the statement read.
Agabe gave the names of the arrested suspects as Precious Mene (Female, 31-year-old), an indigene of Gokana Local Government Area of the state, Blessing Felix (Female, aged 25), from Sagbama LGA of Bayelsa State and Barine Gaviga (Male, aged 32 ), an indigene of Gokana LGA of Rivers State.
Others are Joy Ndornyie (Female, 26-year-old, an indigene of Tai LGA of Rivers State and Muhammed Ibrahim (Male, 35, an indigene of Jigawa State
The state police image maker added, “During the operation, exhibits recovered include: three locally fabricated pump-action rifles from the suspects.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the group was operating unlawfully under the false pretense of providing security services.
“The Rivers State Police Command categorically states that there is no recognised or legally authorized security outfit known as ‘Civilian Joint Taskforce’ operating under the authority of the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security agency within Rivers State.”
She reiterated that no civilian is permitted by law to bear, possess, or operate firearms without lawful authorisation.
The statement added, “Consequently, any individual or group found engaging in illegal security activities or unlawful possession of arms will be decisively dealt with in accordance with the extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Investigations are still ongoing to unravel the full extent of the group’s activities and any other unauthorised operations within the State.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reaffirmed the command’s unwavering commitment to intelligence-led policing, public safety, and the protection of lives and property across all nooks and crannies of the state.
Adepoju warned criminal elements and unlawful groups to desist from all forms of illegal activities or face the full weight of the law.
He, therefore, called on residents of the state to remain vigilant, law-abiding, and continue to partner with the police by providing timely and credible information that will aid ongoing efforts to combat crime and sustain peace, safety, and public order in the state.
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