The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnapper, rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an operation along the Eliozu–Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt.
The arrested suspect was identified as 23-year-old Sunday Rufus, a native of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The operation, according to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Blessing Agabe, followed information received by the Command on September 24, 2026, at about 10:15 p.m., that a person had been kidnapped.
The PPRO said that the operatives of the Convoy Patrol Team stationed at Eliozu, acting on the report, reportedly sighted the suspected kidnappers and gave them a hot chase towards Rumuokoro, by Eligbolu.
The Special Area Division subsequently mobilised and intercepted the fleeing suspects, leading to the arrest of one of them and the rescue of the victim, identified as Mr Emmanuel.
The rescued victim was secured and taken for necessary medical attention, she stated.
Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a white tricycle with registration number PHC 756 ZY.
The Police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the suspected criminal gang.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, Olugbenga Adepoju, who commended the officers and operatives involved in the operation for their prompt response, courage and professionalism, warned that the state would not be a safe haven for criminals.
