Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command arrested three notorious kidnappers accused of terrorizing motorists and travelers along the Port Harcourt-Owerri highway.
The suspects are believed to be responsible for a series of armed robberies and kidnappings in the area, including the recent abduction of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, made this announcement on Wednesday while parading the suspects and others before journalists in Port Harcourt.
Mohammed revealed that the kidnappers were notorious for setting up illegal roadblocks at strategic points on the highway, where they ambushed and abducted motorists at gunpoint, demanding ransom from their families.
“The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended three notorious kidnap suspects following a string of highway robberies and abductions along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway,” Mohammed stated.
“This arrest is part of our intensified crackdown on criminal activities in the area, which has been a hotspot for violent attacks on motorists,” he added.
The suspects were identified as Blessing Akpelu, also known as NTA, 20; Precious Ebee, 30; and Wisdom Amadi, 28.
All three are natives of Egbeda in the Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Mohammed explained that the suspects had been under police surveillance following a spike in kidnappings, including the abduction of the NYSC member and two others along the Elele/Omerelu axis of the expressway.
According to the Commissioner, Akpelu and Ebee were arrested on October 17, 2024, by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, while Amadi, believed to be the gang leader, was apprehended on October 19, 2024, in Egbeda.
The suspects have confessed to the kidnappings and other related crimes.
The police, aided by intelligence gathering, are currently working to arrest their accomplices, recover their weapons, and dismantle their criminal network.
Mohammed reassured the public that the police are committed to ensuring the safety of road users along the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway, urging citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to law enforcement.
In a related operation, the police also arrested a suspected armed robber involved in the attack and theft of an iPhone from a female NYSC member.
The suspect, identified as Baridam Berebom from Mogho in Gokana Local Government Area, was caught with an SMG rifle used in the robbery.
“Berebom was apprehended following a swift police response to a distress call.
Although some of his accomplices escaped, the stolen phone and the rifle were recovered,” Mohammed said.
The police are actively pursuing the remaining gang members and have called on the public to provide timely and credible information to assist in their efforts.
