The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping, busting a notorious syndicate, recovering ransom money and a firearm, and fatally wounding two suspects during a gun battle with operatives.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 4, the Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the operation underscored the Command’s zero-tolerance stance on crime and its resolve to safeguard lives and property across the state.
The operation followed the arrest of two suspects linked to the abduction of a female victim and three others on January 19, 2026, at Elele Waterside in Etche Local Government Area.
“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit intercepted and arrested the suspects along the Ozuzu/Apara Link Road on January 22,” Iringe-Koko said.
“They were found in possession of ₦2,383,000, part of the ransom paid by victims’ families, and a pump-action gun,” she added.
The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Ibrahim (23) from Avara Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and Mohammed Hashim (27) from Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the duo was involved in several kidnapping operations, including the abduction of two female victims from Akpoku Community on January 8, 2026.
The police also linked the gang to the killing of a youth who attempted to deliver a ransom of ₦3.8 million.
“This underscores how ruthless and dangerous these criminal networks are, and why intelligence-led policing is essential to preventing further loss of life,” Iringe-Koko noted.
During follow-up investigations, the arrested suspects led officers to their hideouts, where other gang members resisted arrest, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Two suspects were fatally wounded, while others fled into surrounding bushes with gunshot injuries.
Recovered exhibits included one pump-action gun and ₦2,383,000 in cash.
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Commending the operatives, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, praised their courage and professionalism, assuring residents that the state would remain hostile to criminal elements.
“Rivers State will not be a haven for criminals. We will relentlessly pursue all perpetrators and ensure they face the full weight of the law,” Adepoju said.
He also appealed to the public to support security efforts by reporting individuals seeking treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds.
“Community cooperation is critical. Together, we can keep Rivers State safe and secure,” the commissioner added.