The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a 23-year-old suspected kidnapper and rescued an abducted man during an operation at the Eliozu-Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt.
The operation also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a tricycle allegedly used by the suspects.
The Command’s spokesperson, Blessing Agabe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
According to the statement, the operation followed a distress call received by the police at about 10:15pm on Thursday, September 24, 2026, reporting the abduction of a man.
Agabe said the convoy patrol team stationed at Eliozu responded to the report and sighted the suspected kidnappers fleeing towards Rumuokoro through the Eligbolu axis.
The officers reportedly gave the suspects a hot chase while operatives of the Special Area Division were mobilised to intercept them.
The coordinated operation eventually resulted in the arrest of one of the suspects and the rescue of the victim, identified as Mr Emmanuel.
The rescued man was subsequently secured and taken for necessary medical attention, the police said.
The arrested suspect was identified as Sunday Rufus, a 23-year-old indigene of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The police said an AK-47 rifle, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a white tricycle with registration number PHC 756 ZY were recovered during the operation.
The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal gang.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, said the state would not provide a safe haven for criminals.
Adepoju said the Command would continue to deploy intelligence-driven and coordinated operations against kidnappers and other criminal elements across Rivers State.
He commended the officers and operatives involved in the operation for their prompt response, courage and professionalism.
The commissioner also urged residents to remain vigilant and provide the police with credible and timely information that could assist in preventing and combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.
He stressed that sustained cooperation between security agencies and members of the public remained essential to improving security across the state.
