In a significant development in Rivers State, Nigeria, the Police Command has launched a major operation against the ONELGA Security Planning and Advisory Committee (OSPAC), a local vigilante group. This action comes in response to mounting public complaints about OSPAC’s activities across the state, particularly in the Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA).
The crackdown has resulted in the arrest of at least eight OSPAC members, including the group’s leader, Felix Nwaobakata. In a shocking revelation, Nwaobakata was found in possession of two human skulls and other human remains when apprehended at his hideout in Omoku on June 17, 2024.
Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, detailed the events leading to the arrests. The situation escalated on May 9, 2024, when Alhaji Usman Seleh, Chairman of the Hausa Indigenous Group in ONELGA, reported the abduction of a community member by OSPAC. The subsequent police invitation to Nwaobakata was met with defiance, culminating in an attack on the Omoku Police Division, which was successfully repelled.
The arrests have brought to light several disturbing incidents. Nwaobakata is a prime suspect in the May 1, 2024 murder of two brothers, Collins and Newman Ugorji, from Idu Community. The victims, aged 32 and 39 respectively, were allegedly killed by OSPAC on unsubstantiated kidnapping charges.
In a separate incident on May 31, 2024, OSPAC members led by Commander Friday Ogbuji reportedly ambushed and killed Innocent Didia, a youth leader in Egbeda Community, Emohua LGA. This occurred following a peaceful protest at the Lubrik Construction Company site in Egbeda.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has urged residents to report any cases of assault, extortion, or illegal detention to the nearest police station. The police command emphasized its commitment to protecting lives and property while acknowledging the role of vigilante groups in community policing.
This crackdown highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing community-led security initiatives with the rule of law in Nigeria. As the investigation continues, the police have promised to bring the cases before a competent court, signaling a potential shift in the oversight of vigilante operations in Rivers State.
As this story develops, it raises important questions about the future of community policing in Nigeria and the need for more effective regulation of non-state security actors.