In another decisive victory against crime, the Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers notorious for targeting unsuspecting victims through online dating platforms. The daring operation, executed by the Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT), led to the capture of the suspects responsible for the abduction of a 24-year-old woman on September 21, 2025, in Igbo Etche, Rivers State.

Swift Police Action Based on Intelligence

Acting on credible intelligence received on September 22, 2025, operatives of the Command launched a late-night raid at the suspects’ hideout in Egwi, Etche Local Government Area, around 10:00 PM. The coordinated operation resulted in the successful arrest of two prime suspects:

• Ifeanyi Chukwu Alozie, 25 years old, from Okomoko, Etche Local Government Area, residing at Ndimasi Farm Road, Igbo Etche.
• Miracle Nwimene, 25 years old, from Zakpo, Khana Local Government Area, residing at Umuagagu, Etche.

During interrogation, both suspects voluntarily confessed to their involvement in the crime. They admitted to luring the victim through a dating site before abducting her upon arrival at Igbo Etche.

Ransom Collected, Victim Rescued

According to police findings, the suspects demanded ransom from the victim’s family and received a sum of ₦200,000 before eventually releasing her.

The relentless pursuit by Police operatives left the criminals with no escape route.

The victim has since been rescued, debriefed, and reunited with her family after receiving medical and psychological support.

Ongoing Investigation

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed that investigations are still ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate who are currently at large. The Command also noted that the suspects are cooperating with investigators to unravel the full extent of their criminal network.

CP Adepoju Commends Officers and Warns Public

Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, psc, mnips, commended the bravery, precision, and dedication of the SOIT operatives for their swift response and successful arrest of the suspects.

He assured the public that the Rivers State Police Command remains fully committed to the safety and security of residents.

“We will continue to pursue criminal elements wherever they hide. Rivers State must remain safe for law-abiding citizens. I urge everyone to be vigilant and cautious, especially when interacting with strangers online,” — CP Adepoju stated.

He further warned residents about the growing risks of online dating scams, emphasizing that many criminal networks exploit digital platforms to deceive and endanger innocent individuals.

Call for Public Cooperation

The Command once again calls on the public to report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or through official communication channels. Collective vigilance remains a key factor in achieving a crime-free Rivers State.

Read the official press release below:

RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND PRESS RELEASE :

Arrest of Notorious Kidnappers .

The Rivers State Police Command in a daring operation, arrested two suspected notorious kidnappers involved in the abduction of a 24-year-old woman, (name withheld), on September 21, 2025, at about 2030hrs. in Igbo Etche.

Following actionable intelligence on September 22, 2025, Operatives of the Command attached to the Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT) sprang into action, trailing the suspects to their hideout in Egwi, Etche, at about 2200hrs and arrested the following two suspects:

- Ifeanyi Chukwu Alozie, 25 years old, from Okomoko, Etche Local Government Area, residing at Ndimasi Farm Road, Igbo Etche,

- Miracle Nwimene, 25 years old, from Zakpo, Khana Local Government Area, residing at Umuagagu Etche.

During the preliminary interrogation, both suspects voluntarily confessed to their involvement in the crime, revealing that they lured the victim through a dating site to Igbo Etche, where she was kidnapped. 

Despite the pressure from our relentless pursuit, the suspects (abductors) managed to collect a ransom of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000.) from her relatives before releasing the victim.

Suspects are currently in Police custody, investigation is ongoing, and efforts are intensified to arrest other suspects at large.

The victim has been debriefed and reunited with her family.

The Commissioner of Police Rivers State, CP Olugbenga A Adepoju, psc, mnips, commends the bravery and dedication of the Operatives in apprehending the suspects, assuring the public of the Command's commitment to ensuring their safety and security. He urges citizens to exercise caution when engaging in online dating, highlighting the potential risks associated with such platforms.

SP GRACE IRINGE-KOKO, ANIPR,

Police Public Relations Officer,

Rivers State Police Command.

15/10/2025