Police Arrest Suspected Kidnapper, Recover Vehicle, Firearms

The Rivers State Police Command says it  has recorded a significant breakthrough in the  investigation into the kidnapping of one Loveth, a resident of Rivers State,.

The command in a statement issued on Wednesday, by it’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe said it has arrested a suspected member of the kidnapping gang and  recovered a vehicle, firearms, ammunition, and other exhibits.

“On September 2, 2026, Loveth, while seated in front of her shop, was reportedly accosted by armed men who fired shots into the air before forcefully abducting her and taking her away in a vehicle.

“Following the incident, police officers of the Eleme Police Division commenced intelligence-led operations to track down the perpetrators.

“In the course of the operation, the police officers engaged the suspected kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. 

“The operatives successfully rescued the kidnapped victim and arrested one member of the gang, one Victor Ini, male, aged 35 years, a native of Akwa Ibom State”, the statement added.

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Exhibits recovered in the operation according to the statement include, one silver-coloured mini- bus, with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, two locally made pistols, one live ammunition, one mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and one vehicle number plate with registration number KRK 528 HG.

The police further said it has intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance operations aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the suspected kidnapping gang.

Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured the people of state that the command remains resolute in its determination to protect lives and property and bring all criminal elements to justice.

The commissioner of police further warned criminal elements operating within the state to relocate as the command will continue to deploy all lawful and available resources to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Adepoju urged the public  to reassess their security architecture as ember period experiences increase in crime.

He further encouraged the public  to remain vigilant,  continue to provide the police with credible and timely information that will assist in the fight against crime