The Rivers State Police Command has made a major breakthrough in its investigation into the recent attack on personnel at Tonninno Filling Station, Elioparanwo Road, Port Harcourt, following a daring police operation.
The attack, which occurred on November 12, 2025, prompted swift action from the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, who directed the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) to take over the investigation and ensure the arrest of the perpetrators.
Operatives of the AKU, acting on intelligence-led directives and using technical support, successfully apprehended four suspects directly linked to the assault and recovered two rifles that were stolen during the incident.
The arrested suspects include Ansalem Paul, 45, from Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State; Supurchi Ejiofor, 48, aka Emejaka, from Bende LGA of Abia State; Bright Nwabueze, 58, aka Bishop, from Umuahia South LGA of Abia State; and Utibe Sunday, 24, from Ika LGA of Akwa-Ibom State.
Investigation further revealed that Ebuka Reuben, 32, from Ebonyi State, was the mastermind behind the attack and the leader of the gang responsible for targeting the police personnel at the filling station.
During preliminary interrogations, the suspects voluntarily confessed to the crime and it emerged that they have been involved in multiple criminal activities across Rivers State.
The recovered rifles and suspects are currently in police custody, where they are cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko.
Authorities have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang and recover additional operational weapons believed to be in circulation.
CP Adepoju commended the professionalism, diligence, and swift response of the operatives involved in the operation, emphasizing that the police command will continue to extend its presence across all communities in the state.
He reiterated that the Rivers State Police Command is committed to ensuring that all criminals face the full force of the law and that citizens’ safety remains a top priority.
