The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a suspected notorious kidnapper and recovered a prohibited firearm and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing violent crimes across the state.
Operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted and arrested the suspect, Mohammed Ibrahim, 30, on January 10, 2026, at about 7:46 p.m.
The suspect, a native of Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa State, was apprehended in connection with a series of kidnapping operations along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road, Omagwa.
Investigations revealed that Ibrahim was arrested while allegedly making plans to relocate his operational camp and armoury to the Agbonchia/Oyigbo Road axis in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of one AK-47 rifle with breach number 2125, as well as two magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm live ammunition.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, CSP Grace Iringe-Koko, said the arrest was a significant breakthrough in the Command’s fight against kidnapping and other violent crimes.
“The suspect, during preliminary interrogation, voluntarily confessed to being the ringleader of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for multiple ransom-driven operations within Rivers State,” Iringe-Koko stated.
She added that the suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, while efforts have been intensified to arrest other members of the gang and recover additional weapons.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, commended the operatives for their diligence and swift response, noting that the arrest underscores the Command’s resolve to dismantle criminal networks in the state.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to ensuring the safety of lives and property. There will be no hiding place for criminal elements,” Iringe-Koko said, quoting the Commissioner.
The Police further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue to support security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious activities, assuring the public of sustained efforts to maintain peace and security across Rivers State.
