Police rescue kidnap victim in Port Harcourt after a rapid response to an abduction report led to a chase along the Eliozu-Rumuokoro axis, the arrest of a suspected kidnapper and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.
The Rivers State Police Command said the operation took place after it received information that a person had been kidnapped on September 24, 2026. According to the command, the report came in at about 10:15 p.m., prompting a patrol team stationed around Eliozu to begin searching for the suspected kidnappers.
The officers reportedly sighted the suspects and pursued them as they moved towards Rumuokoro through the Eligbolu area. The chase later involved operatives from the Special Area Division, who mobilised and intercepted the fleeing suspects during the operation.
The coordinated response resulted in the arrest of one suspected member of the group and the rescue of the kidnapped victim. Police identified the arrested suspect as 23-year-old Sunday Rufus, a native of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. The rescued victim was identified as Emmanuel and was taken for necessary medical attention.
Police Rescue Kidnap Victim and Arrest Suspect
The Rivers State Police Command said the arrest followed the pursuit that began shortly after officers received the distress call. Rather than allowing the suspects to escape from the area, the patrol team continued the chase towards Rumuokoro before other operatives moved in to intercept them.
The police said the coordinated operation allowed officers to secure the victim and take the arrested suspect into custody. The command also said investigations were continuing as efforts remained underway to locate other suspected members of the group who were yet to be arrested.
The identity of the rescued man was given as Emmanuel, while Sunday Rufus was identified as the 23-year-old suspect arrested during the operation. The police said the victim was secured for medical attention after the rescue.
The incident occurred around a busy part of Port Harcourt, with the Eliozu-Rumuokoro axis serving as the location where the pursuit and interception took place. The police response therefore involved both the initial patrol team and operatives from the Special Area Division.
The command’s account indicates that the quick response began with information from the public about the reported abduction. Police authorities have repeatedly encouraged residents to provide timely and credible information when they notice suspicious activity, particularly because early reports can assist security personnel in responding to incidents.
AK-47 and Tricycle Recovered During Operation
The operation also resulted in the recovery of several items that the police said were linked to the incident. These included one AK-47 rifle, two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and a white tricycle popularly known as a Keke.
The recovered tricycle reportedly carried registration number PHC 756 ZY. Police said the items were recovered during the operation as officers intercepted the suspected kidnappers.
The recovery of the firearm and ammunition will form part of the investigation as the command works to establish the circumstances surrounding the kidnapping and determine the involvement of other suspected members of the group.
The Commissioner of Police in Rivers State, Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, commended the officers and operatives who took part in the operation, according to the command. He also reaffirmed the police command’s intention to continue intelligence-driven and coordinated operations against kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.
Adepoju also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information to the police. The command said cooperation between residents and security agencies remains important in efforts to prevent and respond to kidnapping and other criminal activities.
For communities around Eliozu, Rumuokoro and nearby areas, the operation has brought renewed attention to security concerns in parts of Port Harcourt. The rescue also demonstrates the role that a prompt report can play in allowing security personnel to respond to an unfolding incident.
Meanwhile, police authorities said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspected members of the group. The arrested suspect remained in police custody as investigations continued into the reported kidnapping, the recovered weapon and the other items found during the operation.
