Port Harcourt, Nigeria: Police in Nigeria’s Rivers State have arrested two men suspected of belonging to a six-member kidnapping syndicate allegedly involved in the abduction of a Port Harcourt resident.

The development was announced by the Rivers State Police Command following an intelligence-led investigation into the kidnapping of a man identified as Hassan. According to police, the victim was abducted in the Garrison area of Port Harcourt and later taken to a waterfront location in Borikiri.

Victim Held for Three Days

Police said the abduction occurred near Fidelity Bank in the Garrison area. The victim was allegedly transported to Igbugulu Waterside in Borikiri, where he remained in captivity for three days.

His relatives reportedly paid ₦10.3 million to secure his release. The police subsequently continued their investigation to identify the people allegedly responsible for the kidnapping.

Two Suspects Arrested

The suspects arrested by the Violent Crime Response Unit were identified as 24-year-old Victor Ifeanyi, also known as “Big Boby,” and 36-year-old Aniekan Okon Michael, also known as “Duff Man.”

According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the two suspects allegedly admitted involvement in the operation. Investigators were also told that the alleged criminal group consisted of six members and used a white minibus during the operation.

Four Alleged Members Still Sought

The police said the investigation is continuing and efforts have been intensified to locate the other four alleged members of the syndicate.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the identities or current whereabouts of those remaining suspects. Police are expected to use information obtained during the investigation to trace the individuals still at large.

The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, has appealed to residents to provide credible information that could assist investigators in identifying and apprehending suspected criminals.

Intelligence-Led Investigation

The case highlights the role of intelligence gathering in investigations into organised kidnapping. Police said information received after the abduction enabled their Violent Crime Response Unit to begin tracing the suspected members of the group.

The investigation eventually led officers to the two men now in custody. Police have indicated that operations against kidnapping networks will continue across Rivers State.

Authorities have also urged members of the public to cooperate with security agencies and share useful information while maintaining personal safety.

Legal Process Ahead

The allegations against the two arrested men have not been established as facts in court. Their reported statements and alleged involvement remain subject to further investigation and the judicial process.

The police have not yet announced the final legal outcome of the case. Meanwhile, the search for the other alleged members of the six-person group remains active.

The case has once again drawn attention to the threat posed by kidnapping networks in parts of Nigeria and the heavy financial burden ransom demands can place on victims’ families. In this case, the family reportedly paid ₦10.3 million before Hassan was released.

As investigators continue pursuing the remaining suspects, authorities are seeking additional information that could help dismantle the alleged network and prevent further abductions in the region.