The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers allegedly linked to the abduction of a 24-year-old woman, identified as Chinyere, along the Igwuruta–Etche Road in Rivers State.
The command’s spokesperson, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, saying operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) apprehended the suspects at their hideout along the Omuoda Pipeline in Allu.
According to Kaborlo, the victim travelled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on 3 October 2026 to visit a friend but was allegedly abducted along the Igwuruta–Etche Road.
She said the police received a report of the incident on 4 October and subsequently launched an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects.
The suspects were identified as Gift Okeregwu, 23; Okeregwu Onyekachi, 27; Bright Augustine, 27; Chijoke Nwalozie, 35; and Obinachi Rita, 26.
Kaborlo said the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the abduction and provided information about other kidnapping incidents in Igwuruta and Etche.
She further alleged that the suspects specialised in luring victims from within and outside Port Harcourt through online dating platforms before abducting them.
The police said investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the suspects’ alleged activities and identify any other individuals who might be connected to the incidents.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, urged residents to exercise caution when arranging meetings with people they encounter through online dating platforms.
He also advised members of the public to report suspicious activities to the police as part of efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
The command reiterated the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with security agencies in preventing criminal activities and ensuring the safety of residents.
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