By: Felix Ikpotor
The Rivers State Police Command says it has recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of one Loveth, a resident of the state, with the arrest of a suspected member of the kidnapping gang and the recovery of a vehicle, firearms, ammunition, and other exhibits.
On 2nd September 2026, Loveth, while seated in front of her shop, was reportedly accosted by armed men who fired shots into the air before forcefully taking her away in a vehicle.
The police said in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, to officers to intensify efforts towards ridding the state of violent criminals and other criminal elements, operatives of the Eleme Police Division commenced intelligence-led operations to track down the perpetrators.
Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Agabe Blessing in a statement, noted that in course of the operation, the Police operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
She said the operatives successfully arrested one member of the gang, one Victor Ini, male, aged 35 years, a native of Akwa Ibom State.
Agabe said one silver-coloured mini Keke bus, with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, Two locally made pistols, one live ammunition, one mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and one vehicle number plate with registration number KRK 528 HG, was recovered from the suspect.
She said the Command has intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance operations aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the suspected kidnapping gang.
The Police PRO restated the assurances of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, to the people of Rivers State that the Command remains resolute in its determination to protect lives and property and bringing all criminal elements to justice.
The statement said the Commissioner further warned criminal elements operating within the State that there is no safe haven for them as the Command will continue to deploy all lawful and available resources to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Members of the public were also charged to remain vigilant, continue to provide the Police with credible and timely information that will assist in the fight against crime
