A joint operation by operatives of the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies has led to the destruction of criminal camps used for kidnapping and other criminal activities in Ipo and Igwuruta-Ali in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The operation led to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of arms and ammunition, including a pump-action gun, one AK-47 rifle, and communication gadgets. Several suspects dwelling in the camp were said to have fled.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday and sent to newsmen.

Agabe revealed that the pump-action gun is reportedly owned by the leader of a local vigilante group, who was allegedly abducted by bandits when he led his men to confront them last week.

The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a successful joint security operation carried out against criminal elements operating within the state.

“In compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, the Command continues to collaborate closely with sister security agencies to enhance the protection and security of citizens while also strengthening inter-agency cooperation and synergy.

“On April 12, 2026, at about 1300 hours, tactical teams of the Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, embarked on a coordinated operation to clear identified criminal camps suspected to be used as hideouts for kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“During the operation, the joint security team identified criminal hideouts at Ipo and Igwuruta-Ali camps.

“In the course of the operation, the following items were recovered: one AK-47 rifle, one pump-action gun, 274 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, four cartridges, native bulletproof materials, a large iron cutter, communication radios, and other items.

“Preliminary findings indicate that the recovered pump-action gun is suspected to be owned by the leader of a local vigilante group, OSPAC, who was allegedly abducted earlier.”

“The criminal camps were successfully destroyed, and one suspect was arrested within the vicinity and is currently under investigation, while other suspects fled the scene before the arrival of security operatives.

“Investigation is ongoing with a view to apprehending the fleeing suspects and rescuing the kidnapped victim,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured residents of the state of the command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

CP Adepoju, however, urged residents to continue supporting security agencies with credible and timely information that will lead to the prompt arrest of criminal elements.

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday arraigned one Olusola Shedrach before the State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged forceful takeover and damage of a landed property belonging to Harvesters Church along the Gbagada–Oworonshoki Expressway.

The defendant was arraigned before Justice Hakeem Oshodi on a three-count charge bordering on forceful takeover, wilful damage, and breach of peace, preferred against him by the state.

When the charge was called, the state prosecutor, Olufunmilayo Aluko, urged the court to take the defendant’s plea.

“My Lord, we are ready for the arraignment of the defendant and pray that the charges be read to him so that he can take his plea,” she said.

The court granted the application, and the charges were subsequently read to the defendant.

Aluko told the court that Shedrach allegedly forcefully took over the church’s property and was also accused of wilful property damage.

The defendant was further accused of conducting himself in a manner capable of causing a breach of peace.

According to the prosecution, the offences contravene Sections 2(1) of the Lagos State Properties Protection Law, 2016; Section 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, for allegedly destroying items on the premises; and Section 168(d) of the same law, with the state alleging that the defendant conducted himself in a manner capable of causing disturbance on the property.

Shedrach, however, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following his plea, defence counsel, Mr O. Odueso, requested a short adjournment to enable the defence to move its bail application.

“My Lord, we respectfully seek a short date to allow us to file and move our bail application,” Odueso said.

Responding, the prosecutor did not oppose the request for an adjournment.

In his ruling, Justice Oshodi adjourned the case to April 22 for the hearing of the bail application and fixed June 17, 2026, for the commencement of the trial.

“This matter is hereby adjourned to April 22, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and June 17, 2026, for trial,” the judge held.