Police arrest 3 kidnap suspects in Rivers

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers who. specialize in luring their victims through their social media handles.

According to a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe, the suspects were arrested following the kidnap of one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel in Lagos State.

Asabe said operatives of the command based at Emohua, successfully apprehended the three suspected kidnappers linked to the crime, one Chinedu Okoro from Imo State, Okwudiri Njoku from Etche in Rivers State and Onyema Sunday from Ika in Akwa Ibom State.

According to the statement, preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects specialize in luring unsuspecting victims from different parts of the country through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Tinder, using the images of reputable personalities to gain trust.

“The suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, one Chisom Nwokolo George, who was deceitfully invited from Anambra State under the pretext of inviting him for an interior decoration job.

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“During investigation, the suspects confessed to multiple kidnapping operations, including the kidnap of Jennifer Nnaji, a resident of Enugu State, on March 1, 2026, and the kidnap of one Lakan Ayodele, a resident of Lagos State,” the statement added

The police added that exhibits recovered from the suspects include one operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju,has reassured residents of Rivers State of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the State.

He also advised the public to be cautious when dealing with unknown persons online, adding that individuals should always verify identities of persons and companies for job offers, avoid sharing personal information, and inform trusted relations and friends of their movements before meeting any stranger and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.