The police command in Rivers says it has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued one victim following a major operation in the state.

The spokesperson for the command, ASP Blessing Agebe, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday that the suspects were allegedly linked to the abduction of one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel, who is still in captivity.

Mr Emmanuel, a resident of Lagos, was reportedly abducted on February 17 in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers, prompting a statewide call for his rescue.

According to the spokesperson, the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday by police operatives stationed in Emohua.

“Our operatives arrested the three suspects, aided by technology-driven strategies; They are suspected to be involved in the abduction of Emmanuel,” she said.

She said the suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, Chisom George, who had been lured from Anambra under the guise of a job offer.

“They deceitfully invited George from Anambra State under the pretext of an interior decoration job. They, however, held him hostage after his arrival.

“George was rescued during the operation by police operatives,” she added.

Ms Agebe said that the suspects specialised in luring innocent victims through social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Tinder.

According to her, the suspects used images of reputable personalities to gain trust and deceive unsuspecting victims.

The spokesperson said that during interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to multiple kidnappings across different states in the country.

She also listed other victims allegedly kidnapped by the syndicate from Enugu and Lagos states, respectively.

“The command has launched a manhunt to arrest the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate, to bring them to justice,” she said.

Ms Agebe said the state’s Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.

He advised members of the public to exercise caution while interacting online and to verify identities before meeting strangers.

He consequently urged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station. 

(NAN)