By Eric Moore
RIVERS State Police command said it has arrested five kidnap suspects and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition from them.
State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Grace Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police (SP), in a statement in Port Harcourt, on Tuesday, noted that exhibits recovered were two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, 66 rounds of ammunition and three locally made pistols.
The command also stated that 10 live cartridges and several mobile phones and SIM cards, were recovered in the operation.
The command’s spokesperson explained that, “following a series of kidnapping incidents within the Rukpokwu, Igwuruta, Omagwa, and Etche areas, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on actionable intelligence, conducted a coordinated operation on March 8, 2025, commencing at approximately 9:30 am.
“The operation lasted for eight hours and resulted in the arrest of 30 years old Mr Mohammadu Bello, from Padiki LGA of Kwara State, residing in Rukpokwu, 26 years old Mr. Suleman Umar, from Hadeja LGA of Jigawa State, residing in Rukpokwu.”
Others arrested were “35 years old Mr Bello Amadu, from Keffi-Hausa LGA of Jigawa State, residing in Rukpokwu, 30 years old Mr Adamu Musa, from Hadeja LGA of Jigawa State, residing in Rukpokwu and 22 years old Mr Abubakar Mohammed, from Azare LGA of Bauchi State, residing in Rukpokwu.
“During interrogation, the suspects confessed to multiple kidnapping activities, including the tragic killing of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Omagwa where the CSO and his son were murdered in cold blood.
“The suspects are currently in police custody and are cooperating with investigators. Efforts are ongoing to uncover details of other crimes committed by the syndicate and arrest others at large.”
The state Police command assured the public of its “unwavering commitment in ensuring the safety and security of all residents. Further updates on this investigation will be communicated in due course.”