The Rivers State Police Command has smashed a kidnapping syndicate that lures victims through online dating sites and rescued a 24-year-old woman abducted along the Igwuruta-Etche Road.

The victim, one Chinyere, who had travelled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on October 3, 2026, to visit a friend, was kidnapped along Igwuruta-Etche Road.

Confirming the arrest in a statement yesterday, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said the complaint was received on October 4 at about 9:00 am, after which the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, directed operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit, VCRU, Diobu, to swing into action.

The operatives arrested five suspects, including a female accomplice.

The suspects were named as Gift Okeregwu, 23, native of Okehi Community in Etche LGA, arrested at his hideout along Omuoda Pipeline, Aluu, Port Harcourt; Okeregwu Onyekachi, 27, also from Okehi; Bright Augustine, 27, from Akukabu Community, Etche; Chijoke Nwalozie, 35, from Akukabu; and Obinachi Rita, female, 26.

The PPRO said during investigation, the suspects confessed to the crime and disclosed information about other kidnapping incidents within Igwuruta and Etche axis.

Police said they admitted luring victims from within and outside Port Harcourt through online dating sites before abducting them.

The Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes to justice.

He urged members of the public to exercise caution when interacting with strangers met through online dating platforms, verify identities before arranging physical meetings and promptly report suspicious activities.

Meanwhile, the Command has released its emergency lines for complaints. (The Sun)