The Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of three suspected kidnappers and the recovery of exhibits linked to the abduction of Humphrey Wagbara, a resident of Igwuruta-Atali.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, said yesterday that on August 26, 2025, the police received a report of Wagbara’s kidnapping, prompting operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emohua Annexe, to launch an operation.

The suspects, identified as Hassan Mohammed, 20, from Borno State; Bello Abubakar, 25, from Sokoto State; and Yusuf Ahmed, 23, from Bauchi State, were arrested on September 19, 2025, at different locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Councils.

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in multiple kidnappings across the state. According to Iringe-Koko: “The suspects confessed to kidnapping Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube on September 24, 2025, at School Road, Igwuruta-Atali, where they collected a ransom of N6.9 million before killing Nwabueze Nchekwube. They also confessed to kidnapping Mercy Chinyere on September 12, 2025, at the same location, where they collected a ransom of N3.5 million before releasing her.”

Items recovered from the suspects include one G-3 rifle with breech number 10398, one magazine, an Itel phone belonging to Wagbara, three short daggers, one jackknife, and one stainless short knife.

Iringe-Koko said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons. She assured that the command is committed to ensuring justice is served and the perpetrators are brought to book.

The state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their diligence and bravery, stressing the command’s unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all residents.