The Rivers State Police Command has announced the arrest of two suspected members of a six-man kidnapping syndicate involved in the abduction of a resident of Rivers State. According to the police, the victim was abducted on September 6, 2026, in the vicinity of Fidelity Bank, Garrison, Port Harcourt. The kidnappers held the victim captive for three days before releasing him following the payment of ₦10.3 million ransom by his relatives.
The police received a distress call and promptly responded, storming the hideout of the kidnappers at a waterfront in the Borikiri axis of Port Harcourt. The Command's spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Monday. Agabe said that the police operatives commenced intelligence-led operations, which resulted in the arrest of two suspected members of the syndicate.
The suspects, Victor Ifeanyi, 24, aka "Big Boby," a native of Aguleri Community, Otuocha LGA, Anambra State, and Aniekan Okon Michael, 36, aka "Duff Man," a native of Ikot Ukpor, Essien Udim LGA, Akwa Ibom State, confessed to their alleged involvement in the operation. Preliminary investigation revealed that the gang used a white mini-bus (Keke bus) during the operation.
The kidnapping syndicate comprises six members, according to the police. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate and bring them to justice. The police also assured the public that they would treat information with the necessary confidentiality.
The State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, called on members of the public to provide credible information to help the police identify and apprehend criminal elements. Adepoju reiterated that the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations to disrupt kidnapping syndicates and other criminal networks across the state.
The police urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies. The Command's Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU-AKU) played a significant role in the rescue operation. The victim was reportedly taken to Igbugulu Waterside, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, where he was held captive.
The Rivers State Police Command's efforts to combat kidnapping and other crimes have been intensified, with the Commissioner of Police assuring the public of their commitment to ensuring the safety of residents. The police will continue to work to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring them to justice.
Key points
- The Rivers State Police Command arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim after ₦10.3m ransom payment.
- The kidnapping syndicate comprises six members, according to the police.
- The police have intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining members of the syndicate.
