The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an operation along the Eliozu–Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt.
The Command, in a statement, said the operation followed information received on September 24, 2026, that a person had been kidnapped.
According to the statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, the Convoy Patrol Team stationed at Eliozu sighted the suspected kidnappers and immediately pursued them towards Rumuokoro, by Eligbolu.
The statement said operatives of the Special Area Division, acting on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, swiftly mobilised and intercepted the fleeing suspects.
The coordinated operation led to the arrest of one of the suspected kidnappers and the rescue of the victim, identified simply as Emmanuel, who was secured and taken for necessary medical attention.
The police identified the arrested suspect as 23-year-old Sunday Rufus, a native of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and one white tricycle, popularly known as Keke.
The Command said efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal gang.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed that Rivers State would not be a safe haven for criminals, assuring that the Command would sustain intelligence-driven and coordinated operations against kidnappers and other violent criminal elements across the state.
He commended the officers and operatives involved in the operation for their prompt response, courage and professionalism.
The Commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to the police, stressing that community cooperation remains vital in preventing and combating kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
