The Rivers State Police Command has arrested three suspected kidnappers in connection with the abduction of Humphrey Wagbara of Igwuruta-Atali and recovered dangerous weapons alongside the victim’s belongings.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command said operatives of the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annexe, carried out a coordinated operation in the early hours of September 19, 2025, leading to the arrest of the suspects at different locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre LGAs.
The suspects were identified as: Hassan Mohammed, 20, from Wandigah Town, Mandagali, Borno State. Bello Abubakar, 25, from Roundabout Maura, Sokoto State, Yusuf Ahmed, 23, from Hazari LGA, Bauchi State
According to the police, the suspects confessed to their involvement in multiple kidnappings in Rivers State.
Also Read: Group Accuses Nigerian Govt of Breach of Social Contract, Demands Electoral, Judicial Reforms
These include the abduction of Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube on September 24, during which a ransom of ₦6.9 million was collected before Nchekwube was killed, and the abduction of Mercy Chinyere on September 12, for which ₦3.5 million was collected before her release.
Items recovered from the suspects include: One G-3 rifle with breech number 10398, one magazine, and one Itel phone belonging to victim Humphrey Wagbara. Three short daggers, one jackknife, one stainless short knife.
The police said the suspects are in custody while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover additional weapons.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their bravery and assured residents of the command’s commitment to tackling violent crimes.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies.
