The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, and rescued his victim, who was kidnapped in front of her shop on September 2, 2026, leading to a manhunt that paid off.
says it has recorded a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the kidnapping of one Loveth, a resident of Rivers State,.
The command in a statement issued on Wednesday, by it’s spokesperson, ASP Blessing Agabe said the victim, Loveth was successfully rescued, while the suspect, Victor Ini, male, aged 35 years, from Akwa Ibom State, was apprehended while others members of the gang are being hunted.
Agabe, also said that the police recovered a vehicle, firearms, ammunition, and other exhibits, noting that the command has intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance operations aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the suspected kidnapping gang.
The exhibits recovered in the operation include one silver-coloured mini- bus, with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, two locally made pistols, one live ammunition, one mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and one vehicle number plate with registration number KRK 528 HG.
The police spokesperson said: “On September 2, 2026, Loveth, while seated in front of her shop, was reportedly accosted by armed men who fired shots into the air before forcefully abducting her and taking her away in a vehicle.
“Following the incident, police officers of the Eleme Police Division commenced intelligence-led operations to track down the perpetrators.
“In the course of the operation, the police officers engaged the suspected kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
“The operatives successfully rescued the kidnapped victim and arrested one member of the gang, one Victor Ini, male, aged 35 years, a native of Akwa Ibom State.”
Meanwhile, the state Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has reassured the people of state that the command remains resolute in its determination to protect lives and property and bring all criminal elements to justice.
He warned criminal elements operating within the state to relocate as the command will continue to deploy all lawful and available resources to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Adepoju urged the public to reassess their security architecture as ember period experiences increase in crime by remaining
vigilant, and providing the police with credible and timely information that will assist in the fight against crime.
