A 35-year-old suspected kidnapper, Victor Ini, has allegedly told the police that he joined a kidnapping gang after being promised N40,000 for his role in abducting a woman in Rivers State.
Ini, who is from Akwa Ibom State, made the claim during interrogation in a video released by the Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe.
According to the suspect, the gang planned to abduct the woman from her shop, demand money and later release her. He alleged that the victim’s neighbour, identified as Chukwuebuka, directed the gang to her after claiming that she had money.
Ini said it was his first operation with the group and that he had not received any payment.
He identified other alleged members of the gang as Chukwuebuka, Chinedu, Okwozichi and Evance.
The police said the victim, identified as Loveth, was abducted on September 2, 2026, while sitting in front of her shop. The attackers reportedly fired shots into the air before forcing her into a vehicle and driving away.
Following the incident, operatives of the Eleme Police Division launched an intelligence-led operation to track the suspects. The operation reportedly led to a gun battle with the kidnappers, during which Ini was arrested.
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Police said a silver-coloured mini Keke bus with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, was recovered. Two locally made pistols, one live ammunition, a mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and a vehicle number plate bearing registration number KRK 528 HG were also recovered.
The police said efforts were ongoing to arrest other members of the suspected gang.
The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, assured residents that the command would continue to protect lives and property while pursuing suspected criminals.
He also warned criminal elements that they would not find a safe haven in the state and urged residents to remain vigilant and provide useful information to security agencies.
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