By Ogoramaka Amos /Port Harcourt
THE Rivers State Police Command has dismantled a notorious kidnapping gang terrorizing commuters and residents in the Ikwerre and Etche Local Government Areas, arresting four suspects allegedly responsible for a series of abductions in the region.
The breakthrough came following an intense investigation into the abduction of a yet-to-be-identified woman on February 25, 2026. According to police sources, the victim was released only after her family paid a hefty ransom of N3 million to her captors.
Operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit acted on a tip-off, storming the gang’s hideout along the Ipo/Ozaha Farm Road. The suspects were arrested red-handed while allegedly perfecting plans for another kidnapping mission.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to carrying out two other major abductions, including the kidnapping of an engineer and his friend, who were freed after ransom payments.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) identified the arrested suspects as Usman Dan-Mama, Abdullahi Kabir, Idris Ismaila, and Mohammed Dalandi. The command has launched a manhunt for other fleeing members of the criminal network.
Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju commended the officers for their swift response and operational intelligence. He reassured residents of the command’s commitment to ensuring the state remains unsafe for criminal elements.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide the police with timely information to aid in the fight against crime.
