28-year-old native of Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, Mr Joe Karachi has been arrested by the state Police command for kidnapping.
Karachi was arrested alongside three others; 30 years old Mr Isioto Waribok from Andoni, 34 years old Maduabuchi Emeka from Onelga and 42 years old Mr Owhor Chinedu, also from Onelga.
During their arrest, the police rescued a victim whose name was given simply as Mrs Ikechukwu.
Also, a white mini-bus allegedly used in carrying out the abduction was recovered.
This was contained in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, as made available to TNN.
The statement read, “the Rivers State Police command has recorded another major breakthrough in its fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes with the arrest of four suspected members of a notorious kidnapping syndicate, the safe rescue of the victim and the recovery of the gang’s operational vehicle.
“The operation followed a report by Mr. Ikechukwu, who informed the Police that his wife, Mrs. Ikechukwu, aged 35 was abducted by armed men on Saturday, 11th July, 2026, while attending to customers at her shop.
“The kidnappers reportedly whisked her away in a white tinted mini-bus.
“Acting swiftly on the report, operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) Rivers State launched an intensive intelligence-driven investigation, following the directives of the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A. Adepoju.
“They arrested the perpetrators of this crime. Preliminary investigation indicates that all four suspects have confessed to their individual roles in the crime.
“Efforts have been intensified to apprehend the two remaining members of the syndicate who are currently at large and to recover the firearms used during the operation.”
Further, the commissioner reassured residents that the state that the command remained resolute in its determination to rid the state of kidnappers and other violent criminals.
He urged members of the public to continue partnering with the police by providing prompt, credible, and actionable information, assuring them that every useful piece of information will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
“The Rivers State Police command remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to deploy every lawful strategy to ensure that perpetrators of crime are identified, apprehended and brought to justice.
“Emergency contacts
complaint response unit (CRU) 07057605209, 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049. Control room 08032003514.”
