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The Rivers State Police Command has uncovered and dismantled a kidnapping syndicate that allegedly lured victims to the state under the guise of offering job opportunities.
The command disclosed that the abduction of one Chukwudekwu Emmanuel, a resident of Lagos State, on February 17, 2026, in Etche Local Government Area, led to the exposure of the gang’s operations.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Agabe Blessing, operatives attached to Emohua Division, acting on intelligence and technology-driven policing strategies introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, arrested three suspected members of the syndicate on April 14, 2026.
The suspects were identified as Chinedu Okoro, 38, from Imo State; Okwudiri Njoku, 32, from Ozuzu in Etche LGA; and Onyema Sunday, 25, from Akwa Ibom State.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the group operated by targeting unsuspecting individuals across the country through social media platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Tinder. They reportedly used images of reputable personalities to build trust and lure victims with fake job offers.
The police said the suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, Chisom Nwokolo George, who had been invited from Anambra State under the pretext of securing an interior decoration job.
According to the statement, the suspects confessed to involvement in several kidnapping incidents, including the abduction of Jennifer Nnaji from Enugu State on March 1, 2026, and another victim, Lakan Ayodele, from Lagos State.
Items recovered from the suspects include an operational motorcycle with registration number AHD 758 VT.
The police noted that efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution when engaging with individuals online, particularly in relation to job offers, advising that identities and organisations should be thoroughly verified before any physical meeting. He also encouraged people to share travel plans with trusted contacts when meeting unfamiliar persons.
