Police Neutralize Two Suspects, Bust Kidnapping Ring in Rivers State
Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have made a significant breakthrough in their fight against criminal activities, neutralizing two suspected kidnappers and dismantling a kidnapping ring operating in the Etche local government area of the state.
Details of the Operation and Arrest
In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 4, the command's spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed that the two suspects, identified as Abdullahi Ibrahim, aged 23, from Avara LGA, Nasarawa State, and Mohammed Hashim, aged 27, from Tafawa Balewa LGA, Bauchi State, were fatally wounded during a fierce gun battle between police officers and members of the kidnapping gang.
The suspects were initially arrested by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) of the command for their involvement in the kidnapping of a female victim at Elele waterfront, also located within Etche LGA. This arrest occurred on January 22, 2026, following credible intelligence that led police to intercept the suspects along Ozuzu/Apara Link Road.
Recovery of Ransom and Confessions
Upon their arrest, a search of the suspects yielded the sum of N2,383,000.00, which was confirmed to be part of the ransom paid by the victims' families. During preliminary interrogation, Ibrahim and Hashim confessed to the crime and provided further details about their involvement in a series of kidnappings.
Their criminal activities included:
- The abduction of two other female victims from Akpoku Community, Etche LGA, on January 8, 2026.
- A tragic incident where a youth member of the community was killed on January 13, 2026, while attempting to pay a ransom of N3,800,000 to the kidnappers.
Gun Battle and Recovery of Exhibits
As part of the investigation, the arrested suspects led police operatives to their criminal hideouts. However, upon arrival, the operatives encountered strong resistance from other gang members, resulting in a fierce gun battle. During this confrontation, the two suspects sustained fatal wounds, while other gang members managed to escape into nearby bushes with varying degrees of bullet injuries.
Exhibits recovered from the suspects include:
- One Pump Action Gun
- The sum of N2,383,000.00 in ransom money
Police Commitment and Public Appeal
The Rivers State Police Command is intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects who are currently at large and still in possession of their operational weapons. Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the bravery and dedication of the operatives involved in this daring operation.
He reiterated the command's unwavering commitment to ensuring that Rivers State remains a hostile environment for criminal elements, emphasizing that the police will leave no stone unturned in pursuing perpetrators of crime, who will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
The command is also appealing to the public to report anyone receiving treatment for gunshot injuries in a suspicious manner, as this could lead to the capture of the escaped gang members.
