By Hadiza Galadima
The Rivers State Police Command has dealt a significant blow to criminal networks following a high-stakes operation that left two suspects dead and led to the recovery of over ₦2.3 million in ransom money and a pump-action firearm.
The breakthrough began on January 22, 2026, when operatives from the Anti-Cultism Unit acted on intelligence to intercept a duo along the Ozuzu/Apara Link Road in Etche LGA. The suspects were identified as Abdullahi Ibrahim 23 From Avara LGA, Nasarawa State and Mohammed Hashim 27 From Tafawa Balewa LGA, Bauchi State.
At the time of their arrest, the men were found with ₦2,383,000, confirmed to be a portion of the ransom paid by families of recent victims.
Police Public Relations Officer, Grace Iringe-Koko, revealed that the group was linked to several high-profile abductions, including January 8, 2026 kidnapping of two women from the Akpoku Community and January 19, 2026’s abduction of a female victim and three others at Elele Waterside.
The gang was responsible for the cold-blooded murder of a young man who had attempted to deliver a ₦3.8 million ransom.
This highlights how dangerous these criminal networks are, and why proactive intelligence-led operations are critical to saving lives,” Iringe-Koko stated.
The investigation took a violent turn when the arrested suspects led police to their hideouts. Upon arrival, remaining gang members opened fire on the operatives. In the ensuing gun battle, two suspects were fatally wounded while other members of the syndicate escaped into the surrounding bush with bullet wounds and a pump-action gun was recovered from the scene.
The Command reiterated its zero-tolerance policy toward violent crime, emphasizing that these sustained efforts are designed to ensure Rivers State remains a secure environment for residents to thrive.
