The Nigeria Police Force has recorded another major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of four suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, the safe rescue of the victim and the recovery of the gang’s operational vehicle.
This is contained in a press statement made available to Kristina Reports on Thursday July 23, 2026 by the Public Relations Officer of Rivers State Command, Agabe Blessing
According to Agabe, the operation followed a report by a man simply identified as Ikechukwu, who informed the Police that his wife, Mrs Ikechukwu, aged 35 was abducted by armed men on Saturday, 11th July, 2026, while attending to customers at her shop. The kidnappers reportedly whisked her away in a white tinted mini-bus.
Acting swiftly on the report, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Rivers State launched an intensive intelligence-driven investigation, following the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, and arrested the perpetrators of this crime.
The following are suspected members of the kidnapping syndicate: Owhor Chinedu, a 42 year old male, from Onelga Local Government, Isioto Waribok, 30 year old male from Addoni Local Government, Maduabuchi Emeka, 34 year old male from Onelga, and Joe Karachi, 28 years old male from Onelga Local Government Area, Rivers State. While a white mini-bus used in carrying out the abduction was also recovered.
Preliminary investigation indicates that all four suspects have confessed to their individual roles in the crime. Meanwhile, the police said efforts have been intensified to apprehend the two remaining members of the syndicate who are currently at large and to recover the firearms used during the operation.
The Commissioner reassured residents that the Rivers State Police Command remains resolute in its determination to rid the State of kidnappers and other violent criminals. He urged members of the public to continue partnering with the Police by providing prompt, credible, and actionable information, assuring them that every useful piece of information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to deploy every lawful strategy to ensure that perpetrators of crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.