Police in Rivers State have arrested three notorious kidnappers responsible for terrorizing travelers and motorists along the Port Harcourt-Owerri highway. The state’s new Commissioner of Police, Mustapha Mohammed, announced the arrests during a press briefing in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
The suspects, identified as Blessing Akpelu (20), Precious Ebee (30), and Wisdom Amadi (28), are natives of Egbeda in Emohua Local Government Area. They are accused of setting up illegal roadblocks to ambush motorists, abducting them at gunpoint, and demanding ransom.
The police linked the group to multiple armed robberies and kidnappings, including the recent abduction of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member. The suspects were arrested following intelligence operations, with two apprehended on October 17 and the gang leader, Wisdom Amadi, arrested two days later.
The police are continuing their investigation to track down accomplices and recover the group’s weapons. Commissioner Mohammed reassured the public that efforts to secure the Port Harcourt-Owerri Expressway are ongoing and urged citizens to remain vigilant.
In a related incident, police also arrested an armed robber, Baridam Berebom, who attacked an NYSC corps member and stole her iPhone 12. The suspect was apprehended following a swift police response, and the stolen phone and a weapon were recovered. The authorities are continuing their efforts to capture Berebom’s accomplices.
The Commissioner called on the public to support the police by providing timely information to help combat crime in the state.
