A Civil Police operation in Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, on Sunday, April 27, 2025, resulted in the deaths of seven individuals suspected of involvement in an attack on a police station earlier this year. This operation, which took place at the end of a baile funk organized by the Comando Vermelho (CV), targeted those believed to have participated in the February assault on the 60th Police Station in Campos Elíseos.
According to the police, the victims were part of a group that attempted to free accomplices during the attack on February 15, 2025. The police reported that "seven narcoterrorists were neutralized, including the leader of the community, brother-in-law of Joab da Conceição Silva, the man who ordered and commanded the attempted rescue at the police station." Joab, who remains a fugitive, is linked to ongoing criminal activities in the region.
This latest operation, which has now seen a total of 13 fatalities related to the police response to the police station attack, also resulted in the arrest of 43 individuals. The police stated that two officers were injured during the February assault, highlighting the ongoing violence linked to drug trafficking in the area.
The operation on Sunday was executed following intelligence reports indicating that members of the criminal faction were gathering for the event. Police waited until the conclusion of the baile funk to launch their approach, aiming to minimize civilian casualties during the confrontation.
During the operation, law enforcement seized several firearms, including rifles and magazines, reinforcing the police's commitment to dismantling the violent network associated with the Comando Vermelho. This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between law enforcement and organized crime in Rio de Janeiro.
The February attack on the 60th Police Station was a brazen attempt by the Comando Vermelho to free two of its members, Rodolfo Manhães Viana, known as Rato, and his right-hand man, Wesley de Souza do Espírito Santo, who were already in custody. The police station was heavily damaged during the assault, prompting immediate renovations that were completed by March 18, 2025.
Joab da Conceição Silva, the fugitive leader behind the attack, has a long criminal history that includes 55 arrests for various offenses such as drug trafficking, illegal possession of firearms, and extortion. He was previously serving a semi-open sentence at the Vicente Piragibe Penal Institute but failed to return after being granted temporary leave in 2019.
The police operation on April 27 is part of a broader strategy to combat the violent crime wave exacerbated by drug trafficking in Rio de Janeiro. As the authorities continue to pursue Joab and his associates, they emphasize the need for community cooperation in addressing the root causes of violence.
As of now, the police remain vigilant and have stated that investigations are ongoing to locate additional individuals involved in the attack on the police station. The recent fatalities underscore the dangerous environment that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty, and the challenges that persist in curbing the influence of organized crime in the region.
While the police have made significant strides in apprehending suspects and neutralizing threats, the cycle of violence continues to pose a challenge for both law enforcement and the communities affected by these criminal activities. The situation remains fluid, with further operations likely as police seek to restore order and safety in Duque de Caxias and surrounding areas.
