Three suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate were arrested last Friday, September 19, 2025, by the Rivers State Police Command during coordinated operations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.

The arrests followed investigations into the abduction of Humphrey Wagbara, who was kidnapped in Igwuruta-Atali on August 26. The suspects—Hassan Mohammed (20) from Borno State, Bello Abubakar (25) from Sokoto, and Yusuf Ahmed (23) from Bauchi—were apprehended around 8:00 p.m. by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex.

According to police sources, the group had been involved in a string of kidnappings across the state, often demanding millions of naira in ransom, with at least one victim killed despite payment.

Upon their arrest, officers recovered several items linked to the gang’s criminal activities, including: One G-3 Rifle (breech number 10398), One magazine, A phone belonging to victim Humphrey Wagbara, Three short daggers, One jack knife, One stainless steel short knife.

READ ALSO: Amotekun Arrests Nine Suspects For Theft, burglary, Rape in Osun

In a statement released on Monday, September 22, Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the suspects had voluntarily confessed during interrogation.

Read Also

The trio admitted to kidnapping Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube on September 24, 2025, in the Igwuruta-Atali area. A ransom of ₦6.9 million was collected, but Nchekwube was later killed.

They also confessed to the abduction of Mercy Chinyere on September 12 from the same vicinity. She was released after a ransom of ₦3.5 million was paid.

“Suspects and exhibits are currently in police custody. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional operational weapons,” SP Iringe-Koko stated.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, praised the ACU team for their swift action and professionalism, describing the arrests as a testament to the Command’s commitment to public safety.

He encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to security agencies promptly.

“This operation underscores our unwavering resolve to rid Rivers State of criminal elements,” the CP added.

Investigations are ongoing, with authorities confident that the syndicate’s remaining members will soon be brought to justice.