The Rivers State Police Command has arrested members of a kidnap gang, who specialised in luring their victims to Rivers State with job offers.

The police said the kidnap of one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel, a resident of Lagos State, on 17th February, 2026 in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, led to the unmasking of members of the syndicate.

A statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP. Agabe Blessing, said the police operatives of the command based at Emohua, leveraging on technology-driven strategies of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on 14th April, 2026 successfully apprehended the three suspected kidnappers.

The statement identified the suspect’s as Chinedu Okoro (male), 38, a native of Imo State; one Okwudiri Njoku (male), 32, a native of Ozuzu, Etche Local Government Area and one Onyema Sunday (male), 25, a native of Ika, Akwa Ibom State.

It said preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects specialised in luring unsuspecting victims from different parts of the country through social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Tinder, using the images of reputable personalities to gain trust.

The suspects were reportedly apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, one Chisom Nwokolo George (male), who was deceitfully invited from Anambra State under the pretext of inviting him for an interior decoration job.

“During investigation, the suspects confessed to multiple kidnapping operations, including the kidnap of Jennifer Nnaji (female), a resident of Enugu State, on 1st March, 2026; the kidnap of one Lakan Ayodele (male), a resident of Lagos State.

“Exhibits recovered include one operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT,” the statement said.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, reassured residents of Rivers State of his commitment to the safety and security of lives and property across the state.

He also advised the public to be cautious when dealing with unknown persons online, appealing to individuals to always verify the identities of persons and companies for job offers, avoid sharing personal information, and inform trusted relations and friends of their movements before meeting any stranger. (The Nation)

Update news