Rivers Police Arrest Suspects, Rescue Kidnap Victim

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued one Mr. Humphrey Wagbara from captivity following a coordinated operation in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development while briefing journalists in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

She said their arrests came after officers responded swiftly to a distress call on the activities of a kidnapping syndicate operating in parts of Rivers.

“Upon receipt of the distress call, officers conducted a coordinated operation on Sept. 19, resulting in the arrest of three suspects,” Iringe-Koko stated.

According to her, the suspects were apprehended at separate locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas, where the kidnappers’ den was also uncovered.

The police spokesperson disclosed that the suspects confessed to abducting Wagbara and admitted to their involvement in several other kidnappings across the state.

“They confessed to the kidnapping of Mr. Onwuli Jude and Mr. Nwabueze Nchekwube along School Road, Igwuruta-Atali. They further admitted that they collected ₦6m ransom from Nchekwube’s family before killing him,” she revealed.

Iringe-Koko further linked the gang to the abduction of Mrs. Mercy Chinyere on September 12 at Igwuruta-Atali, where the kidnappers allegedly collected ₦3.5 million ransom before releasing her.

Exhibits recovered from the suspects include:

1. A G-3 rifle with breech number 10398 and a magazine
2. An Itel android phone allegedly belonging to Wagbara
3. Three short daggers
4. A jack knife
5. A stainless short knife

She noted that both the suspects and the exhibits are currently in police custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend fleeing gang members and recover more weapons.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the gallantry and professionalism of officers involved in the rescue operation.

“The successful rescue underscores the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in Rivers State,” Adepoju said.

The police command, however, urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station for prompt action.