By: Felix Ikpotor
The police in Rivers State says it has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat crimes within the state with the arrest of suspected kidnappers and rescue of victims.
The State Police Command in a statement by its public relations officer, Blessing Agabe said the arrest was sequel to the kidnap of one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel (male), a resident of Lagos State, which occurred on 17th February, 2026 at Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Agabe, an assistant superintendent of police said operatives of the Command based at Emohua, leveraging on the technology-driven strategies of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on 14th April, 2026 at about 1300hrs, successfully apprehended three suspected kidnappers linked to the crime, one Chinedu Okoro (male), 38 years, a native of Imo State, one Okwudiri Njoku (male), 32 years, a native of Ozuzu, Etche Local Government Area and one Onyema Sunday (male), 25 years, a native of Ika, Akwa Ibom State.
She said preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects specialize in luring unsuspecting victims from different parts of the country through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Tinder, using the images of reputable personalities to gain trust.
”The suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, one Chisom Nwokolo George (male), who was deceitfully invited from Anambra State under the pretext of inviting him for an interior decoration job. During investigation, the suspects confessed to multiple kidnapping operations, including:
The kidnap of Jennifer Nnaji (female), a resident of Enugu State, on 1st March, 2026, the kidnap of one Lakan Ayodele (male), a resident of Lagos State. Exhibit recovered includes one operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT,” she stated.
While she said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate, Agabe quoted the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, as reassuring residents of the state of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property.
The CP she stated, also advised the public to be cautious when dealing with unknown persons online, adding that individuals should always verify identities of persons and companies for job offers and avoid sharing personal information online.
