The Police Command in Rivers has arrested three suspected kidnappers and rescued one victim, following a major operation in the state.
Spokesperson of the command, ASP Blessing Agebe, made this known to journalists in Port Harcourt on Saturday.
He said the suspects were allegedly linked to the abduction of one Mr. Chukwudekwu Emmanuel, still in captivity.
Emmanuel, a resident of Lagos, was reportedly abducted on February 17 in Etche local government area, Rivers, prompting a statewide call for his rescue.
According to the spokesperson, the suspects were apprehended on Tuesday by police operatives stationed in Emohua.
“Our operatives arrested the three suspects, aided by technology-driven strategies. They are suspected to be involved in the abduction of Emmanual,” she said.
She added the suspects were apprehended while attempting to kidnap another victim, Mr Chisom George, who had been lured from Anambra under the guise of a job offer.
“They deceitfully invited George from Anambra State under the pretext of an interior decoration job. They, however, held him hostage after his arrival.
“George was rescued during the operation by police operatives,” she added.
Agabe said that the suspects specialised in luring innocent victims through social media platforms, including Whatsapp, Facebook, X, and Tinder.
According to her, the suspects used images of reputable personalities to gain trust and deceive unsuspecting victims.
The spokesperson said that during interrogation, the suspects allegedly confessed to multiple kidnappings across different states in the country.
She also listed other victims allegedly kidnapped by the syndicate from Enugu and Lagos states respectively.
“The command has launched a manhunt to arrest the fleeing gang leader and other members of the syndicate, to bring them to justice,” she said.
Agabe said the state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Olugbenga Adepoju, had reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and property in the state.
He advised members of the public to exercise caution while interacting online, and to also verify identities before meeting strangers.
He consequently urged residents to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
Source: NAN
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