In a significant triumph for the law enforcement authorities, Commissioner of Police CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu has commended officers of the command for their exceptional efforts in a major breakthrough. The operatives successfully neutralized Silas Oderereke, also known as ‘General,’ a notorious armed robber and cult leader who had been on the run for the past four years. The operation took place in Oderereke, Ahoada-West Local Government Area of the state, resulting in the apprehension of other gang members.
The details of the operation were outlined in a statement signed by Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer SP Grace Iringe-Koko. Oderereke, as the head of the Greenlanders’ cult group in the Ubie clan of Ahoada West, had gained notoriety for engaging in various criminal activities, including armed robbery, land grabbing, unauthorized sales of buildings, and brutal attacks on those opposing his criminal enterprises.
The police received information about Oderereke’s gang’s robbery operation on January 11, 2024, involving the vandalization of the property of the late monarch, Eze Robinson O. Robinson. Responding swiftly, the police chased the criminals out of town. However, the defiant ‘General’ regrouped his gang and launched an attack on a farm in Oderereke, intending to loot its contents. It was during this sabotage attempt that the police managed to apprehend the gang.
In a subsequent exchange of gunfire, Oderereke and one accomplice were neutralized, while others sustained injuries. Two other clan leaders, Danger-boy and 2-Man, who frequently collaborated with Oderereke, managed to escape and are currently at large.
During the search of the gang’s hideout, the police discovered a G3 Rifle and nineteen 7.62x51mm ammunition. Further investigations revealed a camp Oderereke had established between Oderereke and Olokuma Communities, serving as a base for the cult leader and his followers from where they launched robbery attacks on neighboring communities.
Residents expressed relief, recounting instances of having to relocate to Port Harcourt due to the mayhem caused by the cult group. In response, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu issued a stern warning to cultists in the state, urging them to abandon criminal activities and renounce cultism. He assured the residents of Rivers State that the Police Command, under his leadership, remains fully committed to maintaining peace and bolstering security in the state.
