The Rivers State Police Command has made a breakthrough in a kidnapping case, arresting two suspected members of a six-man gang that abducted a resident, identified as Hassan, on September 6, 2026. According to the police, Hassan was taken to Igbugulu Waterside, Borikiri, where he was held captive for three days before his relatives paid a ransom of N10.3 million for his release. The police received information about the abduction on September 7 and immediately commenced an operation to locate the kidnappers.
The suspects, identified as 24-year-old Victor Ifeanyi, also known as "Big Boby", from Aguleri Community, Otuocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, and 36-year-old Aniekan Okon Michael, also known as "Duff Man", from Ikot Ukpor, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, were arrested at a waterfront hideout in the Borikiri area of the state capital. The police identified them as part of a six-man kidnapping syndicate that used a white mini-bus, popularly known as a Keke bus, during the operation.
The Rivers State Police Command's spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday. According to Agabe, preliminary investigation indicated that the suspects had confessed to alleged involvement in the kidnapping. The police are currently intensifying efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate and bring them to justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has urged residents to provide the police with credible information that could assist in identifying and arresting suspected criminals. Adepoju assured members of the public that information supplied to the police would be treated confidentially. He also emphasized that the command would continue to use intelligence-led operations to dismantle kidnapping syndicates and other criminal networks in the state.
The kidnapping incident occurred around the vicinity of Fidelity Bank, Garrison, Port Harcourt, on September 6, 2026. The victim was subsequently taken to Igbugulu Waterside, Borikiri, where he was held captive for three days. The police received information about the abduction on September 7 and immediately commenced an operation to locate the kidnappers.
The police operation was carried out by operatives of the Command's Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU-AKU. The unit swung into action and commenced intelligence-led operations, which resulted in the arrest of the two suspected members of the syndicate. The police are currently working to apprehend the remaining members of the gang.
The Rivers State Police Command's efforts to combat kidnapping and other crimes in the state have been intensified, with the Commissioner of Police assuring residents of their safety. The public is urged to remain calm and support security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and order in the state.
Key points
- Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping of a resident in Port Harcourt.
- The suspects, Victor Ifeanyi and Aniekan Okon Michael, are part of a six-man kidnapping syndicate.
- The police are working to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate and bring them to justice.
