Police Neutralize Two Suspects in Rivers State Kidnapping Operation

The Rivers State Police Command has reported the elimination of two suspected kidnappers during a major operation targeting a kidnapping syndicate in the Etche local government area of Rivers State.

In a communication released on Wednesday, February 4, police spokesperson SP Grace Iringe-Koko disclosed that the two individuals, identified as 23-year- old Abdullahi Ibrahim from Avara LGA, Nasarawa State, and 27-year-old Mohammed Hashim from Tafawa Balewa LGA, Bauchi State, sustained fatal injuries in a confrontation with law enforcement officials.

According to the statement, the suspects had been apprehended earlier by the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU) of the police for their role in the kidnapping of a female victim at Elele waterfront within the same local government area.

During their arrest, authorities discovered a sum of N2,383,000.00 believed to be part of the ransom that was paid by the family of the victims.

The police highlighted their commitment to ensuring public safety and combating criminal activity. The recent operation stems from an increased focus on stopping kidnapping and related crimes within Rivers State. This initiative was furthered by the recent capture of two suspects linked to the kidnapping of a female victim and three additional victims on January 19, 2026, at Elele Waterside, Etche LGA.

Following credible intelligence, police operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit conducted an operation on January 22, 2026, at approximately 20:49, which led to the suspects' arrest along the Ozuzu/Apara Link Road in Etche LGA. The suspects were reportedly found with N2,383,000.00 as ransom from the kidnapped victims.

During investigations, the suspects admitted their involvement in the abductions and acknowledged having participated in prior kidnappings, including the abduction of two women from Akpoku Community in Etche LGA on January 8, 2026. Their criminal activities resulted in the death of a community youth who succumbed while attempting to pay a ransom of N3,800,000.00 to the kidnappers on January 13, 2026.

As inquiries continued, the suspects led police personnel to several of their hideouts; however, they encountered fierce resistance from other gang members, resulting in a violent exchange of gunfire in which the suspects were killed, while others fled to nearby areas nursing gunshot wounds.

Recovery items from the operation included one pump-action gun and the N2,383,000.00 ransom cash.

The Rivers State Police Command remains dedicated to locating the remaining gang members who escaped during the incident, emphasizing their focus on public safety and the eradication of criminal activities. Police Commissioner CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju commended the operational courage of the involved unit and urged the community to assist law enforcement in its ongoing fight against crime.

He reiterated the determination of the police to keep Rivers State safe for its residents and declared that efforts would continue until all criminals are identified and heavily prosecuted. The Command has appealed to the general public to report any suspicious cases of individuals receiving treatment for gunshot injuries.