The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a woman identified as Loveth, who was allegedly abducted by armed men, and arrested a 35-year-old man suspected to be a member of the kidnapping gang.
The operation, carried out by operatives of the Eleme Police Division, also led to the recovery of a mini bus, two locally made pistols, ammunition and other items suspected to be linked to the incident.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, Loveth was abducted on September 2, 2026, while sitting in front of her shop.
The police said the armed men approached her, fired shots into the air and forced her into a vehicle before driving away.
Following the abduction, operatives of the Eleme Police Division launched an intelligence-led operation to locate the victim and track down those responsible.
The Command said its operatives, acting on intelligence gathered during the investigation, eventually encountered the suspected kidnappers, leading to Loveth’s rescue and the arrest of one suspect, identified as Victor Ini, 35, a native of Akwa Ibom State.
Items recovered during the operation included 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.
Police said efforts were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the gang allegedly involved in the abduction.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and bringing perpetrators of violent crimes to justice.Adepoju warned criminal elements that the police would continue to deploy lawful measures and available resources to tackle kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.He urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the ember months, and provide credible and timely information that could assist security agencies in preventing and responding to criminal activities.The arrested suspect remains in police custody as investigation continues.
