The Rivers State Police Command has arrested five suspected kidnappers believed to be responsible for several abductions in Port Harcourt and nearby areas. The suspects are also linked to the killing of Richard Timothy, the Chief Security Officer of Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, and his 23-year-old son, Silas, at their home in February.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko shared the development in a statement on Tuesday, noting that the arrests were the result of intelligence-led efforts by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit.
“Following a series of kidnapping incidents within the Rukpokwu, Igwuruta, Omagwa, and Etche areas, operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, acting on actionable intelligence, conducted a coordinated operation on March 8, 2025, commencing at approximately 9:30 am.
“The operation lasted for eight hours and led to the arrest of five suspects,” the statement read.
The suspects have been identified as Mohammadu Bello, 30, from Padiki LGA in Kwara State; Suleman Umar, 26, from Hadeja LGA in Jigawa State; Bello Amadu, 35, from Keffi-Hausa LGA in Jigawa State; Adamu Musa, 30, also from Hadeja LGA in Jigawa State; and Abubakar Mohammed, 22, from Azare LGA in Bauchi State.
According to Iringe-Koko, the arrested individuals admitted to being involved in multiple kidnappings, including the murder of the stadium CSO and his son.
During the operation, security operatives recovered various weapons, including two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, 66 rounds of ammunition, three locally-made pistols, and 10 live cartridges. Several mobile phones and SIM cards were also found in their possession.
“The suspects are currently in custody and cooperating with investigators. Efforts are ongoing to track down other members of the syndicate,” the police spokesperson added.
