The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its ongoing war against kidnapping and violent crime across the state after operatives arrested four suspected kidnappers who were allegedly planning another abduction.

The suspects were intercepted during an early morning operation after police intelligence tracked their movements along the Ipo/Ozaha Farm Road.

The Kidnapping That Triggered the Operation

The arrest followed the kidnapping of Miss Favour Chika, a resident of Igwuruta Community, who was abducted on February 25, 2026, while on her way to her farm.

The victim was reportedly held captive for several days before regaining her freedom on March 2, 2026, after her family paid a ransom of ₦3,000,000.

Police immediately launched an intelligence-driven investigation that eventually led to the suspects.

Suspects Arrested While Planning Another Kidnap

Operatives attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emuohia Annex, stormed the suspects’ hideout at about 5:20 a.m., arresting them while they were allegedly preparing to carry out another kidnapping operation.

The suspects include:

• Usman Dan-Mama (20) – from Mubi, Adamawa State
• Abdullahi Kabir (27) – from Damaturu, Yobe State
• Idris Ismaila (20) – from Taraba State
• Mohammed Dalandi (22) – from Yobe State

Firearms Recovered During Arrest

A search conducted on the suspects led to the recovery of several dangerous weapons, including:

• One locally made pistol
• One cut-to-size single barrel gun
• Twenty live cartridges

Police say the weapons were believed to have been used in previous kidnapping operations.

Suspects Confess to Multiple Kidnappings

During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to several kidnapping operations across communities including:

• Igwuruta-Ali
• Omagwa
• Ozaha
• Ipo
• Etche

They also admitted to abducting Engr. Okoro Osita and his friend on February 12, 2026, along Airport Road. The victims were released after their families paid ₦3,000,000 ransom.

Additionally, the suspects confessed to kidnapping:

• Sympathy Agu of Umuka-Mba, Etche
• Chioma Njoku of Obiri, Etche

The incident occurred on January 31, 2026, along Afara/Egwi Road, where both victims were later freed after ransom payments.

Police Hunt for Remaining Gang Members

Authorities say efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the criminal syndicate who are currently on the run.

The Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting residents and eliminating criminal networks across Rivers State.

He also urged members of the public to continue providing timely and credible intelligence to assist security agencies in fighting crime.

With the arrest of the suspects and recovery of weapons, the Rivers State Police say they are intensifying operations to dismantle kidnapping networks operating in the region.