The Bayelsa State Police Command of the Nigeria Police Force has arrested fourteen suspects and recovered firearms alongside other items during a security operation in Ogboinbiri community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The operation was carried out jointly by police operatives and personnel of the Joint Task Force following the execution of a search warrant on May 10 at a property linked to a suspect identified only as “Lionface.”

Security sources said the raid targeted the residence of the suspect, who is reportedly a loyalist of a former youth leader in the community, Mr. Pere Experience, as well as the Deputy Paramount Ruler of Ogboinbiri.

During the operation, officers recovered four pump-action shotguns, three packets of cartridges, and four operational speedboats fitted with engines suspected to have been used for criminal activities along the waterways.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, the arrested suspects are currently in custody while investigations continue.

He added that efforts are ongoing to track down the principal suspect, popularly known as “Lionface,” who is still at large.

The statement also confirmed that the operation was based on credible intelligence received by security agencies regarding suspected criminal activities in the area.

The Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, commended the operatives for what he described as a successful and well-coordinated operation.

He assured residents that the command remains committed to intensifying its crackdown on criminal networks operating within the state, especially in riverine communities often used as escape routes.

The police chief further urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by providing timely and useful information that could assist in curbing crime and criminality across Bayelsa State.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspects’ involvement in illegal activities and to recover additional weapons or assets linked to the group.