The Rivers State Police Command has announced the rescue of a 35-year-old woman, Mrs. Ikechukwu, who was kidnapped from her shop in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, and the arrest of four suspected members of the kidnapping gang. The operation, led by the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) under the directive of Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju, also led to the recovery of the gang's operational vehicle.
Intelligence-led rescue operation
According to a statement by the command's spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe, the victim's husband, Mr. Ikechukwu, reported the incident to the police on Saturday, July 11, 2026, after armed men stormed his wife's shop and abducted her in a white-tinted minibus. Acting on the report, operatives launched an intensive intelligence-driven investigation that led to the arrest of the four suspects and the safe rescue of the victim.
ASP Agabe said: "The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of four suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, the safe rescue of the victim, and the recovery of the gang’s operational vehicle."
Suspects and recovered evidence
The police identified the arrested suspects as Owhor Chinedu (42) from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area, Isioto Waribok (30) from Andoni LGA, Maduabuchi Emeka (34) from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, and Joe Karachi (28), also from Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA. The white minibus used in the abduction was recovered. The suspects reportedly confessed to their roles during interrogation.
ASP Agabe added: "Exhibits recovered include a white mini-bus used in carrying out the abduction. Preliminary investigation indicates that all four suspects have confessed to their individual roles in the crime."
Manhunt for fleeing accomplices
The police have intensified efforts to apprehend two other members of the syndicate who are still at large and to recover the firearms used during the operation. Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju assured residents that the command will continue to target kidnappers and other violent criminals across the state. He also appealed to the public to share useful information with security agencies, emphasizing that every credible tip-off will be treated confidentially and could help prevent more crimes.
The successful operation underscores ongoing efforts by security agencies to combat kidnapping, which remains a significant security challenge in many parts of Nigeria.
