The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in Oyigbo Local Government Area, intensifying its crackdown on violent crimes across the state.
The suspects were identified as Ezekiel Emmanuel, 44, from Benue State; Chukwuma Mbanefor, 51, from Anambra State; Nicholas Diala, 65, from Imo State; Ndubuisi Uwakwe, 49, from Abia State; and Ifeanyi Nwakwo, 51, from Imo State.
The Command said the operation was carried out by operatives of the Oyigbo Divisional Police Station in line with directives issued by the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju.
According to the police, the suspects confessed during interrogation to participating in several kidnapping operations in Kom-Kom, Railway, Obeama and Afam communities. Investigators are pursuing other members of the criminal network who remain at large.
Commissioner of Police Adepoju described the arrests as another major operational breakthrough, attributing the success to the intelligence-driven policing strategy championed by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun’s successor, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to sustaining aggressive operations against kidnapping, cultism, armed robbery and other violent crimes, warning that criminal elements would find no safe haven anywhere in Rivers State.
“The Command will relentlessly pursue, arrest and ensure that all kidnappers and other violent criminals are brought to justice,” the Commissioner said.
Adepoju also assured residents of the Command’s continued resolve to protect lives and property, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing efforts to combat crime across the state.
Police said investigations are ongoing, with efforts intensified to apprehend other members of the suspected kidnapping syndicate.
