The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has intensified its crackdown on criminal activities with the dismantling of an illegal security outfit and arrest of five suspects in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Public Relations Officer of the Rivers State Command, Blessing Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), disclosed that the operation was carried out on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 by operatives of the State Intelligence Department (SID) in Sakpenwa, headquarters of Tai LGA.
She said the police operatives acted on credible intelligence reports in apprehending the suspects, who were allegedly operating under the guise of a “Civilian Joint Taskforce,” a group the police says is not recognized by any lawful authority.
Those arrested include Precious Mene, 31; Blessing Felix, 25; Barine Gaviga, 32; Joy Ndornyie, 26; and Muhammed Ibrahim, 35, from different local government areas within and outside the state.
Police said three locally fabricated pump-action rifles were recovered during the operation.
According to Agabe, preliminary investigations revealed that the group had been operating unlawfully while posing as a security outfit.
The Command emphasised that no civilian group is authorised to bear arms or operate as a security agency without proper legal backing, warning that violators will face the full weight of the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to intelligence-led policing and public safety, urging residents to remain vigilant and support law enforcement agencies with timely information.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the group’s activities and to identify other possible illegal operations within the State.