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The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected member of a kidnapping gang and recovered firearms, ammunition, a vehicle and other exhibits in connection with the abduction of a woman identified as Loveth.
The Command said the breakthrough followed an intelligence-led operation launched after Loveth was kidnapped on September 2, 2026, while sitting in front of her shop in Rivers State.
According to the police, the victim was reportedly approached by armed men who fired gunshots into the air before forcefully bundling her into a waiting vehicle and speeding away.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, had directed operatives to intensify efforts to rid the state of kidnappers and other violent criminals, prompting detectives from the Eleme Police Division to launch a manhunt for the suspects.
During the operation, police operatives reportedly engaged the suspected kidnappers in a gun duel, leading to the arrest of one of the gang members, identified as Victor Ini, 35, a native of Akwa Ibom State.
Items recovered from the suspect include a silver-coloured mini Keke bus with registration number RBC 992 XE (Abuja), two locally made pistols, one live round of ammunition, a mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and a vehicle number plate bearing registration number KRK 528 HG.
The Command said investigations have been expanded, with intelligence gathering and surveillance intensified to identify and apprehend other fleeing members of the suspected kidnapping syndicate.
CP Adepoju reaffirmed the Command's commitment to protecting lives and property across Rivers State, assuring residents that all criminal elements would be tracked down and brought to justice.
He also warned kidnappers and other violent offenders that there is no hiding place for criminals in the state, stressing that the Police would continue to deploy all lawful resources to combat crime.
The Commissioner further urged residents to strengthen their personal security, remain vigilant as the ember months approach, and provide credible and timely information to the Police to support ongoing efforts to tackle criminal activities across the state.
