The Rivers State Police Command has successfully rescued a 24-year-old woman, identified as Chinyere, who was abducted on her arrival in Port Harcourt to meet a friend she met online. According to the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), ASP Blessing Agabe, the victim travelled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on October 3, 2026, to visit the acquaintance, but was allegedly kidnapped along Igwuruta-Etche Road in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident was reported to the police on October 4, 2026, at about 9 a.m., prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, to direct operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Diobu, to investigate the case and secure the victim’s release. The police operatives subsequently rescued the woman and arrested five suspects allegedly linked to the kidnapping syndicate. The suspects were identified as Gift Okeregwu, 23, from Okehi Community in Etche Local Government Area; Okeregwu Onyekachi, 27, also from Okehi; Bright Augustine, 27, from Akukabu Community in Etche; Chijoke Nwalozie, 35, from Akukabu; and Obinachi Rita, 26, the only female suspect.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspects allegedly admitted using online dating platforms to establish contact with prospective victims from within and outside Port Harcourt before luring them into physical meetings and abducting them. The development has raised concerns over the potential misuse of online dating platforms by criminal elements to identify, deceive and target unsuspecting individuals.
The police have also revealed that information obtained from the suspects has provided investigators with leads regarding other kidnapping incidents reported around the Igwuruta and Etche axis. The Command advised members of the public to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online, particularly those who request physical meetings without sufficient verification of their identities.
The police reiterated their commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in Rivers State, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in identifying and apprehending criminal suspects. The Command also urged residents to inform trusted persons of their movements when meeting people encountered online and to choose public locations for initial meetings as a precaution against possible criminal attacks.
The Rivers State Police Command’s efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes have been commended by residents, who have expressed relief over the rescue of the 24-year-old woman. The police have assured that they will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of residents in the state.
Key points
- The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspects accused of luring victims through online dating platforms and kidnapping them.
- The police have advised members of the public to exercise caution when engaging with strangers online and to choose public locations for initial meetings.
- The Command has reiterated its commitment to combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in Rivers State.
