The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped woman identified as Loveth and arrested a suspected member of the gang allegedly responsible for her abduction.
The operation also led to the recovery of firearms, ammunition, a vehicle, and other exhibits.
According to the Command, Loveth was abducted on September 2, 2026, while sitting in front of her shop. The kidnappers reportedly fired shots into the air before forcing her into a vehicle and fleeing the area.
The Police said the breakthrough followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by operatives of the Eleme Police Division on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju.
During the operation, the operatives reportedly engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle, successfully rescued the victim, and arrested one suspect identified as Victor Ini, a 35-year-old indigene of Akwa Ibom State.
The Police said Ini is believed to be a member of the kidnapping gang.
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Items recovered from the suspect include a silver-coloured mini Keke bus, with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja; two locally made pistols; one live round of ammunition; a mobile phone; two identity cards; two black gowns; and a vehicle number plate bearing registration number KRK 528 HG.
The Command said efforts have been intensified through intelligence gathering and surveillance to track down and arrest other members of the gang who remain at large.
Commissioner of Police Adepoju reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, warning kidnappers and other violent criminals that there would be no haven for them in Rivers State.
He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly as the ember months approach, and encouraged members of the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing and tackling crime.
The Police Command assured residents that intelligence-driven operations would continue across the state to disrupt criminal activities and bring perpetrators to justice.
