Edith CHUKU
35-year-old native of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Victor Ini, has been arrested by the Rivers State Police command, after a fierce exchange of gunfire with suspected members of a kidnapping gang.
A resident of the state whose name was given simply as Loveth, who was kidnapped on September 2, 2026, was rescued during the operation.
Also, one silver coloured mini Keke bus, with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, two locally made pistols, one live ammunition, one mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and one vehicle number plate with registration number KRK 528 HG, were recovered as exhibits.
Police Public Relations Officer, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, revealed this in a statement made available to TNN on Wednesday, where she described the operation as a significant breakthrough.
According to the PPRO, “the Rivers State Police command has recorded a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of one Loveth, a resident of Rivers State, with the arrest of a suspected member of the kidnapping gang and the recovery of a vehicle, firearms, ammunition, and other exhibits.
“On 2nd September 2026, Loveth, while seated in front of her shop, was reportedly accosted by armed men who fired shots into the air before forcefully abducting her and taking her away in a vehicle.
“Following the incident, in line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State command, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, for the command to intensify efforts towards ridding the State of violent crime and criminal elements, operatives of the Eleme Police Division commenced intelligence-led operations to track down the perpetrators.
“In the course of the operation, the Police operatives engaged the suspected kidnappers, resulting in an exchange of gunfire. The operatives successfully rescued the kidnapped victim and arrested one member of the gang, one Victor Ini, male, aged 35 years, a native of Akwa Ibom State.
“Exhibits recovered: One silver-coloured mini Keke bus, with registration number RBC 992 XE, Abuja, Two locally made pistols, One live ammunition, One mobile phone, Two identity cards, Two black gowns and One vehicle number plate with registration number KRK 528 HG.”
The command assured that it has intensified intelligence gathering and surveillance operations aimed at identifying and apprehending other members of the suspected kidnapping gang.
Further, the CP reassured the people of the state that the command remained resolute in its determination to protect lives and property and bring all criminal elements to justice.
Adepoju further warned criminal elements operating within the state that there is no safe haven for criminals in Rivers State, noting that the command will continue to deploy all lawful and available resources to arrest and prosecute perpetrators of kidnapping and other violent crimes.
Members of the public are advised to up their security and change their modus operandi as ember period experiences increase in crime, even as the commissioner of police further encouraged members of the public to remain vigilant, continue to provide the Police with credible and timely information that will assist in the fight against crime
