The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has confirmed the killing of pipeline vandals who attempted to blow up a pipeline in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area of the state.
Adepoju, during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, disclosed that security agencies also destroyed 30 illegal oil refining sites, seized 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and 10,000 litres of illegally refined diesel in a recent operation.
The operation follows recent pipeline vandalism in Rivers State.
On March 17, 2024, an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area.
The incident was followed by another explosion in Oga/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, prompting President Bola Tinubu to declare a six-month state of emergency in the state during his nationwide broadcast on March 18.
Barely a week later, another blast hit the Soku oil facility in Akuku Toru LGA.
While the exact cause of these explosions remains unclear, there are speculations of equipment failure, sabotage, or a deliberate attack.
Addressing these incidents, Adepoju said, “Over the past week, security agencies in Rivers State have prevented several crimes.
“One of these was an attempt to vandalise a pipeline, which led to the death of the vandals when they tried to detonate it.
“The quick response of security operatives on March 16, 2025, stopped the attack.
“Security forces destroyed 30 illegal oil refining sites, 55 ovens, 20 reservoirs, 50 dug-out pits, 100,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and 10,000 litres of illegally refined diesel.”
In a separate operation, Adepoju revealed that security operatives arrested eight suspected kidnappers along the Omoku-Ahoada section of the East-West Road.
The suspects, believed to be herdsmen, were allegedly involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities.
Weapons recovered from them included two English-made pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, and four single-barrel guns.
“In another case, security officers raided a kidnapper’s hideout along Omoku Road in Ahoada East on March 21, 2025, at about 7:10 a.m. They arrested eight suspects and rescued six victims.
“During the arrest, officers recovered two English-made pump-action guns, two locally made pistols, four single-barrel guns, several rounds of ammunition, three Q-link motorcycles, and communication devices, among other items,” he said.
Security forces also thwarted a potential bombing in Onelga LGA on March 19, 2025.
The suspects were found in possession of four dynamites, four switches, detonating pods, and other explosive-making materials.
Adepoju commended the ‘Joint Patrol Operations’ conducted by the police, Armed Forces, and other security agencies, stating that their efforts have been instrumental in maintaining peace in the state
“Our joint efforts have kept our state safe. These security activities are necessary to prevent any breakdown of law and order,” he said.
Adepoju further announced the establishment of a State Operations Room to enhance real-time surveillance and facilitate quick responses to security threats.
Additionally, he said a week-long operation would commence to seize vehicles without registered number plates or those with fake or improperly attached plates.
“These violations make crime easier. Vehicle owners should take this grace period to register their vehicles properly,” Adepoju said
