Police

Author: Gist Correspondent

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an operation in the Eliozu-Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt.

The incident occurred on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at about 10:15 p.m., after the Command received information that a person had been kidnapped.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Convoy Patrol Team stationed at Eliozu sighted the suspected kidnappers and immediately pursued them towards Rumuokoro through Eligbolu.

Following the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, operatives of the Special Area Division mobilised and intercepted the fleeing suspects.

The operation led to the arrest of one of the suspected kidnappers and the rescue of the victim, identified as Emmanuel.

The rescued victim was secured and taken for necessary medical attention, according to the Command.

The arrested suspect was identified as 23-year-old Sunday Rufus, a native of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Police said an AK-47 rifle, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a white tricycle with registration number PHC 756 ZY were recovered during the operation.

The Command said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the suspected criminal gang.

CP Adepoju said the State would not be allowed to become a safe haven for criminals, assuring that the Command would sustain intelligence-driven and coordinated operations against kidnappers and other violent criminals.

He commended the officers involved in the operation for their prompt response, courage and professionalism.

The Police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies to support efforts to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.

Members of the public can contact the Police Complaint Response Unit on 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987 or 07072323049, while the Police Control Room can be reached on 08032003514.