The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, CP Olatunji Rilwan Disu Adepoju, has disclosed that security operatives are making significant progress in the fight against kidnapping, particularly along waterways.
Speaking to journalists, CP Adepoju revealed that the police have been actively pursuing and arresting suspects involved in these criminal activities.
“Just two weeks ago, we apprehended a notorious kidnapper and his gang who operate on the waterways. We traced them to Bayelsa State, where the suspect was arrested,” he said.
He noted that kidnappers often escape with their victims immediately after the abduction, making it difficult to apprehend them on the spot. “Sometimes, if we push too hard during the rescue process, there’s a risk they may harm or kill the victim.”
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The CP also acknowledged that in many cases, families of victims are reluctant to involve security agencies due to fear that the abductors might retaliate and harm their loved ones. However, he stressed that intelligence gathering has been key in making arrests and tackling the new trend of waterway kidnappings.
“The issue of kidnapping along the waterways is a rising threat, but we are doing a lot to address it. Security is everyone’s business. If you see something, say something, !it will go a long way in helping us,” he urged.
He encouraged residents to cooperate with the local government administrators and security operatives, emphasizing that a united approach would help curb the menace.
“We are working tirelessly to get to the root of this. It’s not something you rush, but I believe that in no time, we will dismantle their operations,” CP Adepoju assured.
