The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued one victim in a coordinated operation carried out in parts of the state.
Police spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agebe, confirmed the development while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday, noting that the suspects are linked to multiple kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of one Mr Chukwudekwu Emmanuel.
Emmanuel, a resident of Lagos State, was reportedly abducted on February 17 in Etche Local Government Area, an incident that triggered a statewide search and rescue effort.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested on Tuesday by operatives stationed in Emohua following an intelligence-led operation.
“Our operatives arrested the three suspects, aided by technology-driven strategies; they are suspected to be involved in the abduction of Emmanuel,” Agebe said.
She further disclosed that the suspects were also caught while attempting to abduct another victim, Mr Chisom George, who had been lured from Anambra State under the pretence of an interior decoration job.
“They deceitfully invited George from Anambra State under the pretext of an interior decoration job. They, however, held him hostage after his arrival,” she explained, adding that he was successfully rescued during the operation.
Agebe said investigations revealed that the suspects specialised in targeting victims through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Tinder, where they used fake identities to gain trust.
She added that the syndicate allegedly used images of reputable individuals online to deceive unsuspecting victims into meeting them.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to involvement in several kidnapping operations across different states in the country, including Enugu and Lagos.
The police spokesperson said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the criminal network.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, urging residents to remain vigilant.
He also advised members of the public to verify the identity of individuals they interact with online and to avoid sharing sensitive personal information with strangers.
Residents were further encouraged to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station as investigations continue.
