Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Rescue Victim, Recover Firearm
The Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command has recorded another significant operational breakthrough with the arrest of a suspected kidnapper, rescue of a kidnapped victim and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle in the Eliozu–Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt.
According to a press statement released on Saturday September 26, 2026 by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Agabe Blessing, a Convoy Patrol Team stationed at Eliozu, at about 10pm on 24th September, received an information that someone has been abducted. Acting swiftly on the report, the team sighted the suspected kidnappers and immediately gave them a hot chase towards the Rumuokoro-Eligbolu axis of Obio/Local Governments Area.
Agabe Blessing further stated that operatives of the Special Area Division swiftly mobilised and intercepted the fleeing suspects. According to her, the coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of one of the suspected kidnappers and the successful rescue of the kidnapped victim, identified simply as Emmanuel, who was subsequently secured for necessary medical attention.
The arrested suspect is one Sunday Rufus, aged 23, a native of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. Exhibits recovered during the operation include: One AK-47 rifle, Two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, One white tricycle (Keke) with registration number PHC 756 ZY. Meanwhile, the Police added that efforts are underway to apprehend other members of the criminal gang.
Reacting to the operation, the State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed that Rivers State will no longer be a safe haven for criminals, stressing that the Command will sustain intelligence-driven and coordinated operations against kidnappers and other violent criminal elements across the State. He further commended the officers and operatives involved in the successful operation for their prompt response, courage and professionalism.
The Commissioner however urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide credible and timely information to the Police, as community cooperation remains vital in the collective effort to prevent and combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in Rivers State.
