The Rivers State Police Command said its men have arrested four suspects for alleged involvement in kidnapping in Okocha Community, Igbo-Etche in Etche Local Government Area of the state.
The police said the arrest followed complaints by the management of a company that some of its workers on field inspection were missing.
Spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Thursday.
She said the suspected kidnappers subjected their victims to a harrowing experience, threatened to kill them, and demanded N300m ransom.
Iringe-Koko said discreet investigations revealed that the suspects were part of a criminal syndicate operating under the guise of cattle rearers.
The statement read, “The Rivers State Police Command continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment in combating the menace of kidnapping within the region.
“In a recent development, an intensive operation conducted by the police has resulted in the successful arrest of five individuals suspected to be involved in various criminal activities, including kidnapping and cultism.
“The investigation was initiated following a report made by the management of Lujo Heights Homes on January 19, 2024.
“The report detailed the disappearance of four staff members during a routine property inspection in Okocha Community, Igbo-Etche, Etche Local Government Area.
“Despite repeated attempts to establish contact, there was no response from the missing individuals.
“Through meticulous intelligence-gathering efforts, the police apprehended four suspects believed to be connected to the incident
“During questioning, these suspects confessed to their involvement in the abduction of the victims, as well as the subsequent destruction of the Toyota Sequoia SUV they were travelling in.
“The victims, who endured a harrowing ordeal in the forests of Etche, recounted being subjected to inhumane treatment and constant threats of death unless a ransom of N300m was paid for their release.”
She further said during the operations, operatives recovered two locally-made pistols, two smartphones, and a black Toyota Sequoia belonging to the gang.
In a separate operation, the command said its Anti-Cultism Unit arrested a notorious cultist and kidnapper known as Godfrey Odum.
The suspect is fingered in the abduction of one Precious Chukwu, a student of Elechi Amadi Polytechnic.
“The victim was eventually released after being robbed of her belongings. Godfrey has confessed to the crime and has provided crucial information regarding the identities of other gang members involved.
“The Commissioner of Police, Tunji Disu, expressed his commendation for the outstanding efforts of the officers of Rivers State Police Command in combatting crime and ensuring the safety of residents.
“He advised residents to be careful when hiring security personnel and reiterated the command’s unwavering commitment to rid the state of criminal elements,” the PPRO stated.