Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in a coordinated operation in Rivers State.

The suspects were apprehended on April 14, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m. by operatives attached to the Emohua Division, in connection with the abduction of one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel, a Lagos-based resident, who was kidnapped on February 17 in Etche Local Government Area.

The operation, according to a statement issued on April 18, by the Command’s Spokesperson Agabe Blessing, was driven by technology-based policing strategies introduced by the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

The arrested suspects were identified as Chinedu Okoro, 38, from Imo State; Okwudiri Njoku, 32, from Ozuzu in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers state; and Onyema Sunday, 25, from Ika in Akwa Ibom State.

According to Agabe, preliminary investigations revealed that the syndicate specialized in luring unsuspecting victims through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Tinder, using images of reputable personalities to gain trust before carrying out kidnappings.
The police disclosed that the suspects were arrested while attempting to abduct another victim, Chisom Nwokolo George, who had been lured from Anambra State under the pretext of an interior decoration job.

Further findings showed that the suspects had been involved in multiple kidnapping operations, including the abduction of Jennifer Nnaji, a resident of Enugu State, on March 1, 2026, and Lakan Ayodele from Lagos State.

An operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT was recovered from the suspects.
Agabe said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.

Reacting, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, reassured residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

He also advised the public to exercise caution in online interactions, verify identities before accepting job offers, and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through designated emergency lines.

Police said further developments would be communicated as investigations progress.