RIVERS STATE POLICE ARRESTS SUSPECTED KIDNAPPER

The Rivers State Police Command has recorded another major success in its fight against kidnapping with the arrest of a suspected gang leader linked to a series of abductions along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa.

The suspect, identified as Mohammed Ibrahim, a 30-year-old man from Adamawa State, was apprehended by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit attached to the Emohua Division while allegedly attempting to relocate his operational base and weapons to the Agbonchia, Oyigbo axis in Eleme Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the arrest followed intelligence-led operations and aligns with the directive of the Commissioner of Police to dismantle criminal networks across the state. She described the operation as a significant breakthrough in curbing violent crimes in Rivers State.

A search conducted on the suspect reportedly led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 36 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition. Police said preliminary investigations revealed that Ibrahim allegedly confessed to leading a kidnapping syndicate responsible for multiple ransom-driven abductions within the state.

The suspect and recovered exhibits are currently in police custody as investigations continue. The command said efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the gang and recover additional weapons believed to be in their possession.

Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their swift and professional response. He urged residents to remain vigilant and to promptly report suspicious movements or activities.

“The cooperation of the public remains critical to our success,” Adepoju said, assuring citizens of the command’s commitment to sustaining peace and security across Rivers State.