Rivers Police Arrest Four Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Six Firearms and 58 Rounds of Ammunition

The Rivers State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly linked to armed robbery and kidnapping, recovering six firearms and 58 rounds of live ammunition during an intelligence-led operation.

The arrests followed an operation in Rumuekpe, Emohua Local Government Area, on October 4, 2026, and the subsequent arrest of another suspect in Owerri, Imo State, according to the police. The command announced the development in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo, identified the suspects as Chinemerem Uchewo, Michael Ishaka, Abdulahi George and Gideon Okah. Police said preliminary investigations had linked them to reported cases of armed robbery and kidnapping in Choba, Elele Alimini, Emohua and Rumuekpe.

According to the statement, the suspects also allegedly confessed to the killing of Joseph Onyeka during a robbery in Rumuji Community on July 23, 2026. The police further alleged that the gang was responsible for shooting Inspector Womoma at a checkpoint along the East-West Road near Elele Alimini Junction on August 4, 2026.

The firearms recovered during the operation comprised two AK-47 rifles, two pump-action guns, an English-made double-barrel rifle and a locally made revolver pistol. The command also reported recovering 58 rounds of live ammunition as investigations continue into the gang’s alleged activities.

Rivers State Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju commended the officers involved in the operation, praising their courage and professionalism. He said the command would continue intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting criminal networks, recovering illegal weapons and bringing suspects to justice.

Adepoju warned individuals involved in armed robbery, kidnapping and other violent crimes to desist from criminal activities. He also said the command was pursuing other suspected members of the gang, although the statement did not provide further details about their identities or the progress of the search.

The commissioner urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities to the police, assuring the public that information supplied would be treated confidentially. The arrests come amid continuing efforts by security agencies to address kidnapping and violent crime across parts of Rivers State.

The allegations against the arrested suspects remain subject to investigation and judicial proceedings. The police have not provided further details in the supplied statement about formal charges, court appearances or the recovery of evidence connected to each alleged offence.