The Rivers State Police Command has dismantled an alleged illegal security outfit operating under the name “Civilian Joint Taskforce” in Tai Local Government Area of the state, leading to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of firearms during a targeted intelligence-led operation.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the State Intelligence Department on May 6, 2026, took place in Sakpenwa following what the police described as credible and actionable intelligence. Authorities said the raid forms part of ongoing efforts by the command to clamp down on illegal arms possession, criminal gangs, and unauthorized security formations across Rivers State.
Those arrested during the operation were identified as Precious Mene, 31, from Gokana Local Government Area; Blessing Felix, 25, from Sagbama Local Government Area; Barine Gaviga, 32, from Gokana Local Government Area; Joy Ndornyie, 26, from Tai Local Government Area; and Muhammed Ibrahim, 35, an indigene of Jigawa State.
Police authorities disclosed that three locally fabricated pump-action rifles were recovered from the suspects during the operation. Investigators believe the group had been operating unlawfully under the guise of providing local security services within parts of the state.
In a statement issued by the command, the police stressed that no security outfit known as “Civilian Joint Taskforce” is legally recognized or authorized to operate under the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security structure in Rivers State.
The command stated that “there is no recognised or legally authorised security outfit known as ‘Civilian Joint Taskforce’ operating under the authority of the Nigeria Police Force or any approved government security agency within Rivers State.”
The police further reiterated that civilians are prohibited by law from possessing or operating firearms without proper authorization, warning that anyone found engaging in illegal security activities or unlawful possession of arms would face prosecution under Nigerian law.
Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju said the command remains committed to intelligence-led policing and efforts aimed at protecting lives and property across the state. He warned criminal groups and unauthorized organizations to desist from unlawful activities or risk facing “the full weight of the law.”
The police also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal networks and illegal arms proliferation in the state.
Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the full scope of the group’s activities and identify possible links to other unauthorized operations within Rivers State.
