Security Operatives Raid Criminal Hideouts As OSPAC Leader Remains Missing In Rivers
CHUKA UBAH
The whereabouts of a local vigilante leader of the OSPAC group, abducted by suspected herders in Ipo community, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, remain unknown as joint security operatives raid camps belonging to criminal elements in the area.
The incident reportedly happened on Friday, 10th April, 2026, when some farmers discovered armed individuals in the bush and alerted members of the local vigilante group. The vigilante operatives mobilised to confront the suspected criminal, leading to an exchange of gunfire.
According to a source, who spoke on anonymity, he said the vigilante leader was shot in the leg during the confrontation, adding that other members of the group fled the scene, leaving the injured leader behind, after which he was allegedly abducted by the fleeing suspects.
Confirming the operation, the Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Police Command, ASP Agabe Kaborlo Blessing, said tactical teams, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), targeted identified hideouts in IPO and IGRITALE camps
“During the operation, the joint security team identified the criminal hideouts at IPO and IGRITALE Camp. In the course of the operation, the following items were recovered,One (1) AK-47 rifle, One (1) pump-action gun, Two hundred and seventy-four (274) rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, Four (4) 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 the local vigilante group called ( OSPAC) alleged to have been previously abducted.
“The criminal camps were successfully destroyed. However, one suspect was arrested within that vicinity and still 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,” she said.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured residents of the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property. He also urged the public to provide timely and credible information to aid ongoing security operations.
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