By Adesakin Adefemi
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected kidnappers linked to a series of abductions across the state, recovering firearms and thwarting another planned operation.
The suspects, identified as Usman Dan-Mama, 20, Abdullahi Kabir, 27, Idris Ismaila, 20, and Mohammed Dalandi, 22, allegedly carried out three high-profile kidnappings, each yielding a ransom of ₦3 million, bringing their total takings to ₦9 million.
The arrests followed intelligence from the kidnapping of Miss Chika Favour in Igwuruta Community, Ikwerre Local Government Area. Chika was abducted on February 25 while heading to her farm and released on March 2 after her family paid ₦3 million.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, the suspects were arrested early Monday at about 5:20 a.m. along Ipo/Ozaha Farm Road, where they were planning another kidnapping operation. The recovered items include one locally made pistol, one single-barrel cut-to-size gun, and 20 live cartridges.
During questioning, the suspects confessed to multiple kidnappings across Igwuruta-Ali, Omagwa, Ozaha, Ipo, and Etche. They admitted involvement in the abductions of Engr. Okoro Osita and a friend on February 12, and Miss Sympathy Agu and Miss Chioma Njoku on January 31, all released after ₦3 million ransoms were paid.
The Rivers State Police Command is pursuing other members of the syndicate still at large, reiterating the commitment of Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju to ensuring the safety and security of Rivers residents.
The police command has assured the public that it will continue to work tirelessly to bring perpetrators of kidnapping and other crimes to justice. The suspects are currently in police custody, and investigations are ongoing.
The Rivers State Police Command has urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with the police as they work to ensure the safety and security of all residents. The command has also warned other kidnappers to desist from their nefarious activities, as the police are determined to track them down and bring them to justice.
The police have commended the public for their support and cooperation in the fight against crime, and have urged them to continue to provide information that will help the police prevent and solve crimes.
