The Nigeria Police Force, Rivers State Command says it has arrested five suspected kidnappers and rescued a 24-year-old woman, identified as Chinyere, who was allegedly abducted along the Igwirita–Etche Road in Rivers State.
According to a press release issued on Tuesday October 27, 2026 by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Agabe Blessing, the victim reportedly travelled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on October 3, 2026, to visit a friend before she was kidnapped.
Agabe said the Police received a complaint about the abduction at about 9 a.m. on October 4 2026, prompting operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit, (VCRU), Diobu, to launch an investigation that led to the arrest of the five suspects.
The suspects were identified as one Gift Okeregwu, a 23-year old male from Okehi Community in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, who was arrested at his hideout along the Omuoda Pipeline, Allu, Port Harcourt, Okeregwu Onyekachi, a 27-year old male, native of Okehi Community, Etche LGA, Bright Augustine, 27-year old male, native of Akukabu Community, Etche LGA, Chijoke Nwalozie, a 35-year old male from Akukabu Community, Etche LGA, and one Obinachi Rita, female, aged 26, an indigene of Rivers State.
The police said the suspects allegedly confessed to their involvement in the kidnapping and provided information about other abduction incidents within Igwirita and Etche. They also reportedly disclosed that they lured victims from within and outside Port Harcourt through online dating platforms before abducting them.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes are brought to justice.
The Command consequently advised members of the public to exercise caution when interacting with strangers on online dating platforms, verify their identities before arranging physical meetings, and promptly report suspicious activities to the police.
Members of the public are urged to report complaints or seek emergency assistance through the Police Complaint Response Unit on 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987, and 07072323049, or contact the Police Control Room on 08032003514.
