Rivers State Police Command rescues a 24-year-old woman and arrests five suspects linked to online dating kidnappings.
The Rivers State Police Command successfully dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate that uses online dating platforms to lure and abduct unsuspecting victims, according to information published by The Sun Nigeria.
Operatives rescued 24-year-old Chinyere, who had traveled from Delta State to Port Harcourt on October 3, 2026, to visit a friend, before being ambushed and seized along the Igwuruta-Etche Road.
Following a formal complaint received on October 4, Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju ordered immediate tactical intervention, leading to the swift arrest of five primary suspects involved in the criminal operation.
Violent Crime Response Unit Action
The swift rescue operation was executed by operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit based in Diobu, acting directly under the directives issued by the state police commissioner.
Police authorities confirmed that the coordinated raid successfully tracked down the criminal network, demonstrating the rapid response capabilities of security forces tackling violent crime in the region.
Suspects Arrested in Port Harcourt Hideouts
Law enforcement agents apprehended five individuals, including a female accomplice, across various hideouts located within the Port Harcourt metropolitan area and surrounding communities.
The identified male suspects include 23-year-old Gift Okeregwu from Okehi Community, 27-year-old Okeregwu Onyekachi, Bright Augustine, and 35-year-old Chijoke Nwalozie, alongside 26-year-old female suspect Obinachi Rita.
Confession and Online Dating Scam Tactics
During formal police interrogations, the detained suspects confessed to their active involvement in the abduction of Chinyere and provided crucial intelligence regarding other kidnapping operations.
The syndicate specifically targeted individuals from both within and outside Port Harcourt by exploiting digital connection tools, luring victims through popular online dating sites before executing their crimes.
Police Safety Warning to Public
Police Public Relations Officer ASP Agabe Blessing Kaborlo reiterated the unwavering commitment of the command to protecting lives and property across the entire state.
Authorities strongly advised citizens to exercise extreme caution when interacting with strangers on digital platforms, verify identities before physical meetings, and immediately report suspicious activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the kidnapping victim rescued in Rivers State?
The 24-year-old victim was rescued after operatives of the Violent Crime Response Unit acted on directives from Commissioner of Police Olugbenga Adepoju following a formal complaint.
How many suspects were arrested by the Rivers State Police Command?
Police arrested five suspects, including a female accomplice, during operations targeting hideouts along the Omuoda Pipeline in Aluu, Port Harcourt.
What method did the criminal syndicate use to trap victims?
The syndicate used online dating sites to lure unsuspecting individuals from within and outside Port Harcourt into prearranged meetings before abducting them.
What advice did the police give regarding online dating apps?
Police authorities urged the public to exercise caution, verify identities before physical meetings, and promptly report suspicious activities using the command emergency lines.
