The Rivers State Police Command has arrested two suspected kidnappers said to be behind the abduction of a 24-year-old woman in Igbo Etche on September 21, 2025.
According to the Police, the victim, whose name was withheld for security reasons, was lured to a location in Igbo Etche through a dating site before being abducted by the suspects.
Police sources said the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m., when the unsuspecting victim arrived at the agreed meeting point and was taken captive by the gang.
Following the report of the abduction, the Rivers State Police Command immediately swung into action through its Special Operations and Intelligence Team (SOIT).
On September 22, 2025, at about 10:00 p.m., acting on credible intelligence, the operatives trailed the suspects to their hideout in Egwi, Etche Local Government Area.
Two suspects were arrested during the operation — identified as 25-year-old Ifeanyi Chukwu Alozie from Okomoko in Etche Local Government Area, who resides at Ndimasi Farm Road, Igbo Etche, and 25-year-old Miracle Nwimene from Zakpo, Khana Local Government Area, who resides at Umuagagu Etche.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly confessed to their involvement in the abduction and narrated how they used an online dating platform to lure the victim to the crime scene.
Investigations revealed that the kidnappers held the victim captive while contacting her relatives to demand ransom for her release.
Despite sustained pressure from police operatives, the suspects succeeded in collecting a ransom of ₦200,000 from the victim’s family before eventually setting her free.
The Police Command confirmed that the victim has since been rescued, debriefed, and reunited with her family in good health.
Investigations are still ongoing to trace and apprehend other members of the kidnapping syndicate who are currently at large.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, commended the swift and courageous response of the Special Operations and Intelligence Team in carrying out the successful arrest.
He reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents across the state.
The Police Commissioner also used the opportunity to caution members of the public, particularly youths, to exercise restraint and vigilance when engaging in online dating, noting that such platforms have increasingly become tools for criminal exploitation.
Police spokesperson, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Tuesday, assured that the Command will continue to intensify efforts to curb kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
