Police Correct Identity Of Suspect In Foiled Kidnap Attempt

The Rivers State Police Command has issued a formal correction regarding the identity of the prime suspect in a high-profile kidnap attempt in Port Harcourt, clarifying that the suspect’s name is Joseph Aboy, not Joseph Abibo as earlier reported.

The correction was contained in a rejoinder released on Thursday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, following an initial statement dated March 31, 2026, titled “Police Arrest Kidnapper, Recover AK-47 Rifles.”

It will be recaled that the case stems from a distress call received on March 20, 2026, from a 35-year-old resident, Fadi Nasser, who reported that armed men stormed his residence along Orogbum Crescent, Woji Road, in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Port Harcourt.

According to police accounts, the attackers attempted to abduct Nasser and opened fire during the operation.

In what authorities described as a narrow escape, the victim managed to flee the scene—an outcome that enabled security operatives to respond swiftly and track the suspects.

However, the Command acknowledged that an error occurred in its earlier communication, wrongly identifying the arrested suspect as Joseph Abibo.

The rejoinder emphasized that the correct identity is Joseph Aboy, who was apprehended by operatives of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Unit in Aluu.

Further details revealed that during subsequent operations, Aboy led police to the gang’s hideout, where a fierce gun battle ensued.

In the chaos, he and six other gang members escaped with gunshot wounds, prompting renewed security efforts to apprehend them.

Police have now declared a full-scale manhunt for Aboy and his accomplices. He is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, dark-complexioned, and bearing a distinctive spider tattoo on his right arm.

The Command urged members of the public to assist with credible information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect and his gang, particularly individuals seen with bullet injuries.

Residents are advised to contact 08032003514 or report to the nearest police station.

Reaffirming its stance, the Rivers State Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, while assuring residents that efforts are ongoing to bring the suspects to justice.