Police Arrest 3 Suspected Kidnappers, Recover Weapons In Rivers
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have arrested three suspected kidnappers linked to the abduction of Humphrey Wagbara, a resident of Igwuruta-Atali, and recovered dangerous weapons during the operation.
The arrests were disclosed in an official statement issued on Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, Superintendent of Police (SP) Grace Iringe-Koko.
According to the statement, the suspects—Hassan Mohammed (20, from Borno State), Bello Abubakar (25, from Sokoto State), and Yusuf Ahmed (23, from Bauchi State)—were apprehended on September 19, 2025, during coordinated operations carried out at various locations in Obio/Akpor and Ikwerre Local Government Areas.
The arrests followed a distress report received on August 26, 2025, regarding the kidnapping of Humphrey Wagbara in Igwuruta-Atali. Acting swiftly, operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, launched an investigation that led to the successful apprehension of the suspects.
Suspects Confess to Multiple Kidnappings
During interrogation, the trio reportedly confessed to their involvement in several kidnapping operations across the state. Notably, they admitted to the abduction of Onwuli Jude and Nwabueze Nchekwube on September 24, 2025, at School Road, Igwuruta-Atali. The suspects collected a ₦6.9 million ransom from the victims’ families but tragically murdered Nchekwube afterward.
They also confessed to kidnapping Mercy Chinyere on September 12, 2025, from the same area. She was released after a ₦3.5 million ransom was paid.
Recovered Items
The following items were recovered from the suspects:
One G-3 rifle (Breech No. 10398)
One magazine
One Itel mobile phone belonging to victim Humphrey Wagbara
Three short daggers
One jackknife
One stainless short knife
Ongoing Investigation
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their bravery and commitment to public safety. He assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down other fleeing members of the kidnapping syndicate and recover additional weapons.
CP Adepoju urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police or relevant security agencies.
“This operation highlights the Command’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property in Rivers State,” he stated.
Police Public Relations Officer
SP Grace Iringe-Koko, ANIPR
Rivers State Police Command
