Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have dismantled a suspected online-based kidnapping syndicate, arresting three persons linked to a string of abductions across the country and foiling another attempted kidnap.
The arrests followed investigations into the abduction of a Lagos resident, Chukwudekwu Emmanuel, who was kidnapped on February 17, 2026, in Etche Local Government Area of the state.
Spokesperson for the Command, ASP Blessing Agabe, disclosed in a statement that operatives of the Emohua Division, acting on intelligence and leveraging technology-driven policing strategies, apprehended the suspects on April 14, 2026, at about 1:00 p.m.
Those arrested include Chinedu Okoro, 38, from Imo State; Okwudiri Njoku, 32, from Ozuzu in Etche LGA; and Onyema Sunday, 25, from Ika in Akwa Ibom State.
Agabe said investigations revealed that the syndicate specialised in luring victims via social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Tinder, often using images of prominent personalities to gain trust and deceive targets.
The suspects were intercepted while attempting to abduct another victim, Chisom Nwokolo George, who had been lured from Anambra State under the guise of an interior decoration job.
According to the police, the suspects confessed to multiple kidnapping operations during interrogation, including the abduction of Jennifer Nnaji, an Enugu resident, on March 1, 2026, and that of Lakan Ayodele, a Lagos-based resident.
Items recovered from the suspects include an operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT.
The Command added that efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing gang leader and other members of the network.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He urged residents to exercise caution in online interactions, verify identities before accepting job offers, avoid sharing sensitive personal information, and always inform trusted contacts before meeting unfamiliar persons.
Adepoju also called on members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
