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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspects, including a woman, for allegedly operating a kidnapping syndicate that lures victims through online dating platforms.
The operation also led to the rescue of a 24-year-old woman, identified as Chinyere, who was abducted along the Igwuruta-Etche Road after travelling from Delta State to Port Harcourt to visit a friend on October 3, 2026.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, disclosed this in a statement, saying the command received a complaint about the incident at about 9am on October 4.
She said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, subsequently directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, Diobu, to investigate the case and apprehend those responsible.
The operation led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Gift Okeregwu, 23; Okeregwu Onyekachi, 27; Bright Augustine, 27; Chijoke Nwalozie, 35; and Obinachi Rita, 26.
Gift Okeregwu was reportedly arrested at his hideout along Omuoda Pipeline, Aluu, in Port Harcourt. The suspects are from communities in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly used online dating platforms to lure unsuspecting victims from within and outside Port Harcourt before abducting them.
The suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crime and provided information on other kidnapping incidents around the Igwuruta and Etche axis.
The command said investigations were ongoing to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and identify possible accomplices.
Adepoju reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that those involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes were brought to justice.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution when interacting with strangers on online dating platforms, advising them to verify identities before arranging physical meetings.
The police commissioner also encouraged residents to report suspicious activities promptly to the relevant security agencies.
The command said its emergency lines were available to members of the public for reporting security concerns and seeking assistance.
Correct the police spokesperson’s title
Clarify the rescue and abduction timeline
Tighten the story for print
