-
Nigeria Police Force arrests four suspected kidnappers during operation in Rivers State
-
Police recover pistol, single-barrel gun and 20 live cartridges from suspects
-
Gang reportedly linked to multiple kidnappings and ₦3m ransom operations in Ikwerre and Etche areas
Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force in Rivers State have arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms during a security operation aimed at tackling violent crimes in the state.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emuoha Annex, along the Ipo/Ozaha Farm Road while allegedly preparing to carry out another kidnapping attack.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
The suspects were identified as Usman Dan-Mama, Abdullahi Kabir, Idris Ismaila and Mohammed Dalandi, all aged between 20 and 27.
READ ALSO:IGP Appoints DCP Anthony Okon Placid as New Police Spokesperson
Police said a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of a locally made pistol, a single-barrel gun and 20 live cartridges.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to participating in several kidnapping operations around Igwuruta-Ali, Omagwa, Ozaha, Ipo and Etche communities.
They also allegedly admitted involvement in the abduction of one Miss Favour Chika from the Igwuruta community in Ikwerre Local Government Area on February 25, 2026. The victim was later released on March 2 after her family reportedly paid a ransom of ₦3 million.
The suspects further confessed to the kidnapping of Engineer Okoro Osita and another victim along Airport Road in Port Harcourt on February 12, as well as the abduction of Sympathy Agu and Chioma Njoku in Etche Local Government Area on January 31.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting residents and urged the public to continue providing credible information to security agencies.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to track and arrest other members of the criminal gang still at large.