The police command in Rivers has arrested four suspected kidnappers and recovered firearms during an operation aimed at curbing violent crimes in the state.

The command’s spokesperson, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, told journalists in Port Harcourt on Monday that the suspects allegedly abducted MFavour Chika of Igwuruta Community in Ikwerre Local Government Area.

Mrs Iringe-Koko said the victim was abducted on February 25 at about 9:00 a.m. while on her way to the farm.

She disclosed that the victim was released on March 2 after her family reportedly paid a ransom of N3 million.

The spokesperson for the command explained that the suspects were arrested following credible intelligence and sustained operational efforts by police operatives.

“Operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit, Emuohia Annex, tracked and arrested four suspects in the early hours of Monday at about 5:20 a.m.

“They were apprehended along the Ipo/Ozaha Farm Road, where they were reportedly planning another kidnapping operation,” she said.

She said a search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of weapons and ammunition.

“Items recovered include one locally made pistol, one cut-to-size single-barrel gun, and 20 live cartridges,” she said.

The command’s spokesperson added that the suspects confessed to involvement in several kidnapping operations across the state.

She said the suspects also admitted responsibility for the abduction of Okoro Osita and his friend.

“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to carrying out kidnapping operations within the Igwuruta-Ali, Omagwa, Ozaha, Ipo, and Etche axis,” she said.

Mrs Iringe-Koko said the victims were kidnapped on Feb. 12 along Airport Road in Port Harcourt and later released after their families paid a ransom of N3 million.

She further disclosed that the suspects confessed to the kidnapping of Sympathy Agu of Umuka-Mba in Etche and Chioma Njoku of Obiri in Etche.

She said the victims were abducted on January 31 along Afara/Egwi Road in Etche Local Government Area.

“The victims were also released after their families paid a ransom of N3 million,” she said.

Mrs Iringe-Koko added that efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate who were still at large.

“The command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents.

“We urge members of the public to provide timely and credible information that will assist the police in combating crime,” she said. 

(NAN)