Police Smash Airport Road Kidnap Syndicate, Arrest Kingpin With AK-47
The Rivers State Police Command has recorded a major breakthrough in its fight against violent crime with the arrest of a notorious kidnapping kingpin operating along the Port Harcourt International Airport Road.
The suspect, identified as Mohammed Ibrahim, aged 30, was arrested on January 10, 2026, by operatives of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Unit following a carefully coordinated intelligence-led operation.
Police sources disclosed that Ibrahim has been on the Command’s wanted list for his alleged involvement in a series of violent kidnappings and ransom-related crimes around Omagwa and the Airport Road axis. He was intercepted while attempting to relocate his operational base and arms cache to a new hideout along the Agbonchia–Oyigbo Road.
During the operation, officers recovered a prohibited AK-47 assault rifle and two magazines loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition, believed to have been used in previous criminal activities.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect confessed to being the leader of the kidnapping syndicate, which has carried out several high-profile abductions across Rivers State, particularly targeting motorists and residents along strategic routes.
Commending the operatives for their professionalism and commitment, the Commissioner of Police, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, reaffirmed the Command’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements.
“There is no hiding place for criminals in Rivers State. This arrest underscores our proactive approach to tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes,” the Commissioner stated.
He further assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the gang who are currently on the run.
The Police Command also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide timely and credible information, noting that community cooperation remains critical to sustaining peace and security across the state.
