The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers and rescued a 24-year-old woman, identified as Chinyere, who was allegedly abducted along the Igwirita–Etche Road in Rivers State.

According to a press release issued by the Command, the victim travelled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on October 3, 2026, to visit a friend before she was reportedly kidnapped. The Police received a complaint about her abduction on October 4, 2026, at about 9:00 a.m.

Following the directives of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, operatives of the Command’s Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU), Diobu, launched an operation that led to the arrest of five suspects.The suspects were identified as Gift Okeregwu, 23; Okeregwu Onyekachi, 27; Bright Augustine, 27; Chijoke Nwalozie, 35; and Obinachi Rita, 26. Gift Okeregwu was reportedly arrested at a hideout along Omuoda Pipeline, Allu, Port Harcourt.

POLICE: SUSPECTS ALLEGEDLY USED ONLINE DATING SITES

The Police stated that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly confessed to involvement in the kidnapping and provided information about other reported abduction incidents in Igwirita and Etche.

According to the Command, the suspects disclosed that victims from within and outside Port Harcourt were allegedly lured through online dating platforms before being abducted.

The Police said investigations were ongoing and reiterated their commitment to apprehending individuals involved in kidnapping and other violent crimes.POLICE ISSUE WARNING TO ONLINE DATING USERS

The Commissioner of Police urged residents to exercise caution when interacting with strangers met through online dating platforms. Members of the public were advised to verify identities before arranging physical meetings and promptly report suspicious activities to the Police.

The Command also encouraged residents to provide credible information that could assist in preventing crime and protecting lives and property.

To report complaints or seek emergency assistance:

Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049

Police Control Room: 08032003514