The Rivers State Police Command says it has dismantled a kidnapping gang operating in parts of Etche Local Government Area, arresting two suspects, recovering ransom money and a firearm, and neutralising two other gang members during a confrontation with operatives.
Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noting that the operation was driven by intelligence and aligned with the Command’s resolve to stamp out violent crimes across the state.
According to her, the suspects were linked to the abduction of a female victim and three others at Elele Waterside on January 19, 2026.
“This success is part of our sustained intelligence-led efforts to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in Rivers State,” Iringe-Koko said.
She explained that operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit arrested the suspects on January 22 along the Ozuzu–Apara Link Road in Etche LGA, following actionable intelligence.
“They were found with ₦2,383,000, which investigations confirmed to be part of ransom paid by victims’ families, as well as a pump-action gun,” she stated.
The arrested 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.
Police investigations revealed that the duo allegedly participated in several kidnapping operations, including the abduction of two women from Akpoku Community on January 8, 2026.
Iringe-Koko further disclosed that the gang had previously been linked to the killing of a young man who attempted to deliver a ransom of ₦3.8 million.
“This incident underscores the extreme danger posed by these criminal networks and reinforces the importance of proactive policing to prevent further loss of life,” she added.
She said the suspects later led operatives to their hideouts, where other gang members engaged the police in a gun battle.
“During the exchange, two suspects were fatally wounded, while others escaped into surrounding bushes with suspected gunshot injuries,” the spokesperson said.
Items recovered from the operation included the pump-action gun and the ransom cash.
Commending the officers involved, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to public safety.
“I commend the professionalism and courage of our officers.
Rivers State will not provide a safe haven for criminals, and we will pursue all perpetrators until they are brought to justice,” Adepoju said.
He also appealed to members of the public to support ongoing investigations by reporting anyone seeking medical treatment for suspicious gunshot wounds.
“Security is a collective responsibility. With community cooperation, we can keep Rivers State safe for everyone,” the police commissioner added.
