By Passman Akpos
The Bayelsa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of fourteen suspects and the recovery of firearms, cartridges, and operational speed boats in Ogboinbiri Community, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, following a major security operation carried out in collaboration with the Joint Task Force (JTF).
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Mohammed, the operation was conducted on May 10, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m., based on credible intelligence linking the premises of one Daumiebi Okia, popularly known as “Lion Face,” to suspected criminal activities within the troubled community.
Police described Lion Face as a loyalist of the former Youth President of Ogboinbiri Community, Mr. Pere Experience, and also linked him to the Deputy Paramount Ruler of the area.
During the search operation, security operatives reportedly recovered four pump-action guns, three packets of cartridges, and four fully operational speed boats mounted with engines, suspected to have been used for criminal activities along the waterways.
Fourteen suspects were arrested during the raid, while the principal suspect, Lion Face, was said to have escaped and is currently at large. Police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend him and deepen investigations into the matter.
The Commissioner of Police in Bayelsa State, CP Iyamah Daniel Edebor, commended the operatives for what he described as a successful operation and reaffirmed the Command’s determination to sustain its crackdown on criminal elements across the state.
He also called on residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist ongoing efforts to restore peace and security.
The latest police action comes amid heightened tension in Ogboinbiri, where leadership disputes, allegations of violence, and political accusations have thrown the community into prolonged crisis.
Earlier, Tarakirivoice had reported that Lion Face strongly denied allegations linking him to illegal arms stockpiling, violence, and the leadership crisis involving the dethronement of suspended Amananawei, Eseimokumo Benson Okosughe.
In a strongly worded rebuttal titled “The Wailing of the Drowned Man Eseimokumo Benson Okosughe and His Enablers from Ogboinbiri Community,” Lion Face accused Okosughe of spreading false accusations against innocent people and attempting to drag influential figures into his personal political downfall.
He insisted that his company, FACE & FACE Security, is a duly registered private security outfit engaged in pipeline surveillance and protection for Tantita Security Services along the Seibou/Opukusi Oil Pipeline corridor in the Egbema-Angalabiri axis According to him, the four pump-action guns found at his premises were legally licensed for security operations and not intended for criminal purposes
He denied having any operational relationship with former Bayelsa governorship candidate Chief David Lyon, Darlon Security, Labrador Security, or Tari Okoso in relation to the Ogboinbiri crisis, insisting that attempts to link them were politically motivated.
Lion Face further alleged that the dethroned Amananawei had a long-standing pattern of framing innocent persons, including respected elders and chiefs, with false accusations of pipeline vandalism and native wars.
He also claimed that he once supported Okosughe’s emergence as Amananawei through the influence of his political leader, General Pius Andabai Wariyai, but later withdrew support after discovering what he described as a pattern of division, manipulation, and unrest.
The crisis reportedly worsened after the killing of Mr. Denyefa G. Ofolo on April 28, 2026, an incident that triggered renewed accusations, fear, and calls for justice across the community.
As police investigations continue, residents are calling on Governor Douye Diri and security agencies to ensure a transparent probe that will separate political propaganda from criminal accountability.
For now, Ogboinbiri remains tense, with the battle over truth, power, and peace still unfolding.
