The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers linked to multiple abductions across the state and recovered dangerous weapons during the operation.
Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the arrests in a statement issued on Monday. She said operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emohua Annex, acting on a distress call received on August 26, 2025, apprehended the suspects in separate operations on September 19 in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.
The suspects, identified as Hassan Mohammed, 20, from Borno State; Bello Abubakar, 25, from Sokoto State; and Yusuf Ahmed, 23, from Bauchi State, were linked to the kidnapping of Humphrey Wagbara, a resident of Igwuruta-Atali.
During interrogation, they confessed to several kidnappings, including that of Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube on September 24, 2025. Police said the gang collected ₦6.9 million ransom from the victims before killing Nchekwube. They also admitted abducting another victim, Mercy Chinyere, on September 12, for which they received ₦3.5 million ransom.
Items recovered from the suspects include a G-3 rifle (Breech No. 10398), a magazine, three short daggers, a jackknife, a stainless short knife, and a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their bravery and urged residents to continue providing useful information to aid security agencies in tackling crime. He assured that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
