The Rivers State Police Command has arrested 12 suspects in connection with a violent attack on Unity Estate at Mbodo–Aluu, along Airport Road, Port Harcourt.
The incident occurred on January 5, 2026, at about 1:15 p.m., when suspected members of the Obio/Akpor Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) vigilante group, drawn from different communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, alongside hired thugs, allegedly invaded the estate.
The assailants were said to be armed with pump-action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, firing shots indiscriminately and causing panic among residents.
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 was said to have led the operation, is also on the run.
The attack reportedly led to the destruction of parts of the estate and damage to several vehicles. One resident, Apostle Stephen Nmacha, a native of Rumuekini Community, sustained a gunshot injury to the leg and was abducted by the attackers. Other victims reportedly sustained varying degrees of injuries and fled into nearby bushes for safety.
Following a distress call, operatives of the Choba Police Division swiftly mobilised to the scene, with reinforcement from the Anti-Kidnapping Unit and the Octopus Tactical Teams. The abducted victim was successfully rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Items recovered from the suspects include one automatic pump-action gun, one live cartridge, spent cartridges, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and one Siena van.
The 12 suspects arrested include Chinedu Nnodim (45), Joel Wopara (49), Wopara Iyke (45), Henry Godwin Orumere (44), Chidi Herbert (47), Wobe Ginikanwa (44), Bright Ezekiel (51), Ibuchi Choice Wali Ogba (42), Okechukwu Igwe (54), John Chukwudi (56), Chi Ezekwu (43) and Clement Bassey (32).
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, strongly condemned the actions of the OSPAC operatives, describing them as reckless and unacceptable. He emphasised that OSPAC operatives are expected to operate strictly under police supervision and in synergy with the Command, warning against any form of self-help.
CP Adepoju assured residents of Rivers State of the Command’s commitment to their safety, adding that efforts were ongoing to arrest all fleeing suspects and bring them to justice.
The Police also called on members of the public with useful information that could aid the arrest of the suspects still at large to report to the nearest police station or provide credible intelligence to security agencies.
