The Rivers State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in its investigation into the November 12, 2025 attack on police personnel at Tonninno Filling Station along Elioparanwo Road, Port Harcourt, with the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of two stolen rifles.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) to take over the investigation and ensure the swift arrest of the perpetrators as well as the recovery of the stolen arms.
Acting on the directive, operatives of the AKU launched an intelligence-led operation that resulted in the arrest of the following suspects: Ansalem Paul, 45, from Mbaise LGA, Imo State, Supurchi Ejiofor, 48, also known as Emejaka, from Bende LGA, Abia State, Bright Nwabueze, 58, known as Bishop, from Umuahia South LGA, Abia State and Utibe Sunday, 24, from Ika LGA, Akwa Ibom State
Police further disclosed that Ebuka Reuben, 32, from Ebonyi State, has been identified as the mastermind and leader of the gang responsible for the attack on the officers at the filling station.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the incident, with investigations revealing links to multiple other criminal activities across the state.
The recovered rifles and the suspects are currently in police custody, and authorities say efforts are ongoing to track down additional gang members and retrieve the remaining weapons.
CP Adepoju commended the swift response and professionalism displayed by the operatives, stressing the Command’s commitment to intensifying security operations across the state and ensuring that all perpetrators of crime face the full weight of the law.
