The Rivers State Police Command has dealt a major blow to kidnapping networks operating within the state, following the arrest of four suspects linked to a string of high-profile abductions.
The breakthrough came in the early hours of Monday, March 9, 2026, when operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit (Emuohia Annex) intercepted the gang along the Ipo/Ozaha Farm Road. Police reports indicate the suspects were apprehended at approximately 5:20 a.m. while allegedly preparing for a fresh operation.
Securitynewsalert.com heard that the arrested individuals, all in their early twenties, have been identified as Usman Dan-Mama (20) from Adamawa State, Abdullahi Kabir (27) from Yobe State, Idris Ismaila (20) from Taraba State, and Mohammed Dalandi (22) also from Yobe State.
During the arrest, officers recovered a cache of weapons, including one locally made pistol, a cut-to-size single-barrel gun, and 20 rounds of live cartridges.
According to Police Public Relations Officer CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspects confessed to a series of violent crimes that have terrorised the Igwuruta, Omagwa, and Etche axes.
One of their most recent victims, Miss Favour Chika, was snatched on February 25 while walking to her farm in Igwuruta. She was held for five days and only released after her family paid a ₦3,000,000 ransom.
“During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to carrying out several kidnapping operations… They further admitted to being responsible for the abduction of Engr. Okoro Osita and his friend on February 12,” Iringe-Koko stated.
The gang also claimed responsibility for the January 31 kidnapping of Sympathy Agu and Chioma Njoku along the Afara/Egwi Road. In every documented case, the syndicate reportedly extorted ₦3,000,000 from the victims’ families before granting their release.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, emphasised that this is just the beginning of a wider crackdown.
“The Rivers State Police Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents,” the Command stated. “Efforts are currently ongoing to arrest other members of the criminal syndicate who are still at large.”
Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and provide timely information to help clear the remaining elements of the gang from the state.
