Police Nab Three Kidnappers, Rescue Victim in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its sustained crackdown on criminal activities across the state, with the arrest of suspected kidnappers and the rescue of their victim.

The new State Police Command Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, made this known in a statement in Port Harcourt at the weekend.

The development followed the abduction of one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel, a male resident of Lagos State, which occurred on February 17, 2026, in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Acting on credible intelligence and through deployment of technology-driven policing strategies introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, operatives attached to the Emohua Division carried out a coordinated operation.

“The operation, which took place on April 14, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m., led to the successful arrest of three suspected kidnappers linked to the crime”, the statement noted.

Those apprehended include Chinedu Okoro, 38, a native of Imo State; Okwudiri Njoku, 32, from Ozuzu in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State; and Onyema Sunday, 25, from Ika in Akwa Ibom State.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects specialize in luring unsuspecting victims from different parts of the country through social media platforms.

The platforms reportedly used by the syndicate include WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Tinder, where they impersonate reputable personalities to gain the trust of their targets.

Police further disclosed that the suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, identified as Chisom Nwokolo George, who had been deceitfully invited from Anambra State under the guise of an interior decoration job offer.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in multiple kidnapping operations across different states.

Among the cases linked to the syndicate are the abduction of Jennifer Nnaji, a resident of Enugu State, on March 1, 2026, and that of Lekan Ayodele, a Lagos-based resident.

Items recovered from the suspects include an operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT, believed to have been used in their criminal activities.

The Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the criminal network.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, reassured residents of the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the State.

He also advised members of the public to exercise caution when dealing with unknown persons online, urging them to verify identities before accepting job offers, avoid sharing sensitive personal information, and always inform trusted contacts before meeting strangers.

The police boss pledged to keep the public informed as investigations continue, and urged the residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency lines.

By: King Onunwor