The Rivers State Police Command has arrested twelve suspects in connection with a violent attack on Unity Estate, Mbodo–Aluu, along Airport Road, Port Harcourt, which left residents injured and properties damaged.
The incident occurred on January 5, 2025, at about 1:15 p.m., when suspected members of the OSPAC vigilante group, drawn from communities within Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, allegedly stormed the estate alongside hired thugs. Armed with pump-action guns, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons, the attackers reportedly fired shots indiscriminately, causing panic among residents.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, preliminary investigations revealed that the attack was allegedly coordinated by one Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince, who are currently at large. The Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike, popularly known as “Ocean,” who allegedly led the operation, is also on the run.
During the attack, parts of the estate and several vehicles were destroyed. One resident, Apostle Stephen Nmacha, a native of Rumuekini Community, sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, which was reportedly shattered. He was abducted by the assailants but later rescued by the Police. Other victims sustained varying degrees of injuries and fled into nearby bushes to escape harm.
Following a distress call, operatives of the Choba Division swiftly mobilized to the scene, with reinforcement from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams. The abducted victim was rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects include one automatic pump-action gun, one live cartridge, expanded cartridges, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses, and one Siena van.
The twelve suspects arrested are all male, aged between 32 and 56 years, and are from different parts of Rivers State.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, strongly condemned the actions of the OSPAC operatives, describing them as reckless and unlawful. He emphasized that vigilante groups are expected to operate strictly under police supervision and in synergy with the Command.
The Police Command reassured residents of Rivers State of their safety and vowed that all remaining suspects involved in the attack would be apprehended and prosecuted. Members of the public with useful information are urged to assist the Police by reporting to the nearest station or providing credible intelligence to aid ongoing investigations.
