The Rivers State Police Command has arrested twelve suspects in connection with a violent attack on Unity Estate, Mbodo–Aluu, along Airport Road in Port Harcourt, during which residents were terrorised and one person abducted.
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), allegedly drawn from different communities in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, invaded the estate alongside hired thugs. The attackers were said to be armed with pump-action guns, cutlasses, and other dangerous weapons, firing shots indiscriminately and causing panic among residents.
Preliminary police investigations revealed that the attack led to the destruction of parts of the estate and damage to several vehicles. During the incident, Apostle Stephen Nmacha, a native of Rumuekini community, sustained a gunshot injury to the leg, which was reportedly shattered. He was subsequently abducted by the assailants, while other residents escaped into nearby bushes with varying degrees of injuries.
Following a distress call, operatives from the Choba Police Division swiftly mobilised to the scene and were reinforced by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit (AKU) and Octopus Tactical Teams. The abducted victim was successfully rescued and taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Police confirmed the recovery of several exhibits from the suspects, including one automatic pump-action gun, one live cartridge, expanded cartridges, assorted charms, five motorcycles, two mini-buses, and one Siena van.
Those arrested include men aged between 32 and 56 years, drawn from different parts of Rivers State. Police also disclosed that Patrick Akandu and Omakwelem Onu Ihunwo Prince, alleged to have coordinated the attack, are currently at large. In addition, the Akpor OSPAC Commander, Azubuike, popularly known as “Ocean,” who was said to have led the operation, is also on the run.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, strongly condemned the actions of the OSPAC operatives, describing them as reckless and unlawful.
The Commissioner emphasised that OSPAC operatives are expected to function strictly under the supervision of the Nigeria Police Force and in synergy with the Command, warning that no individual or group would be allowed to take the law into their hands under any guise.
CP Adepoju assured residents of Rivers State of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, adding that efforts were ongoing to apprehend all fleeing suspects and ensure they are brought to justice.
He further called on members of the public with credible information that could aid the arrest of the suspects at large to cooperate with the Police by reporting to the nearest police station or providing timely intelligence.
The Rivers State Police Command reiterated that it would not tolerate any action capable of disrupting public peace and security in the State.
Attack on Unity Estate: Police Arrest 12 Suspects, Recover Pump-Action Gun in Rivers
