Police operatives in Rivers State have rescued one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel, who was abducted on February 17, 2026 in Etche Local Government Area while on a visit from Lagos.
Police spokesperson in Rivers State, ASP Agabe Kaborlo Blessing, disclosed this in a statement in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
She said the kidnapping syndicate, including the three suspects arrested, specialises in luring victims from across the country to Port Harcourt with fake contract offers before abducting them.
She added that operatives from the command were making frantic efforts to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.
ASP Agabe said the suspects were arrested while attempting to abduct another victim, Chisom Nwokolo George, who had been lured from Anambra State under the guise of an interior decoration job.
She said, “The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing efforts to combat crimes within the State.
“Sequel to the kidnap of one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel (male), a resident of Lagos State, which occurred on 17th February, 2026 at Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, operatives of the Command based at Emohua, leveraging on the technology-driven strategies of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, on 14th April, 2026 at about 1300hrs, successfully apprehended three suspected kidnappers linked to the crime, one Chinedu Okoro (male), 38 years, a native of Imo State, one Okwudiri Njoku (male), 32 years, a native of Ozuzu, Etche Local Government Area and one Onyema Sunday (male), 25 years, a native of Ika, Akwa Ibom State.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspects specialize in luring unsuspecting victims from different parts of the country through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Tinder, using the images of reputable personalities to gain trust.
“The suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, one Chisom Nwokolo George (male), who was deceitfully invited from Anambra State under the pretext of inviting him for an interior decoration job.
“During investigation, the suspects confessed to multiple kidnapping operations, including: The kidnap of Jennifer Nnaji (female), a resident of Enugu State, on 1st March, 2026, the kidnap of one Lakan Ayodele (male), a resident of Lagos State. Exhibit recovered includes one operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.
“The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, reassure residents of Rivers State of its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across the State. He also advised the public to be cautious when dealing with unknown persons online.
“He further stated that individuals should always verify identities of persons and companies for job offers, avoid sharing personal information, and inform trusted relations and friends of their movements before meeting any stranger and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or call police emergency lines.” she said.