Twelve suspects have been arrested in connection with a violent attack on Unity Estate in Mbodo–Aluu, along Airport Road, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Police Command has confirmed.
The attack occurred on January 5, 2025, when armed assailants,vallegedly members of the OSPAC vigilante group from communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area and hired thugs, stormed the estate, firing shots and causing panic among residents.
Police said the suspects invaded the area with pump-action guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons, leading to destruction of property and damage to vehicles.
One resident, Apostle Stephen Nmacha from Rumuekini community, was reportedly shot and abducted during the raid but was later rescued by security operatives and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Following a distress call, operatives from the Choba Police Division, supported by the anti-kidnapping unit and the other tactical teams, moved to the scene and arrested 12 suspects.
Those arrested include, Chinedu Nnodim, Joel Wopara, Wopara Iyke, Henry Godwin Orumere, Chidi Herbert, Wobe Ginikanwa, Bright Ezekiel, Ibuchi Choice Wali Ogba, Okechukwu Igwe, John Chukwudi, Chi Ezekwu, and Clement Bassey.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects, include one automatic pump-action gun, a live cartridge, spent shells, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses and a Siena van.
Investigators said two alleged coordinators of the attack—Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince, are still on the run.
Also being hunted is the Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike, popularly known as “Ocean,” who police say led the operation.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, condemned the attack, describing the actions of the vigilante operatives as reckless and unlawful.
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He stressed that OSPAC members are only permitted to operate under police supervision and warned that no group would be allowed to take the law into its own hands.
“The command will not tolerate any individual or group, under any guise, disrupting the peace and security of the state,” Adepoju said.
The police assured residents of their safety and vowed to track down all fleeing suspects to face prosecution.
It appealed to the public with useful information to assist security agencies by reporting suspicious movements to the nearest police station.
