The Abia State Police Command has rescued an 18-year-old girl, identified as Ifeoma Obinna, and arrested three suspects over an alleged kidnapping incident in Umuimo Community, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area of Abia State.
The operation followed a distress call received by the command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit on October 4, 2026, after an unidentified caller allegedly contacted the victim’s mother, Mrs. Obinna, demanding ₦5 million for her daughter’s release.
According to the police, the suspects were arrested through actionable intelligence gathered by operatives investigating the case.
The arrested individuals were identified as Chidozie Rainbow Hezekiah, 65; Brave Rainbow, 21; and Innocent Otodirichu, 21.
During the operation, police operatives successfully rescued the teenage victim and recovered two daggers and her mobile phone as exhibits. The recovered items are expected to form part of the evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on October 8, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police.
The command further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest other suspected members of the alleged kidnapping syndicate.
Abia Police Reaffirm Commitment to Fighting Kidnapping
The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, reaffirmed the command’s determination to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities across the state.
Afolabi assured residents that the police would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations, strengthen collaboration with local communities and adopt other security measures to safeguard lives and property.
He also emphasised the importance of public cooperation in preventing crime and supporting law enforcement efforts.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station. Members of the public were also encouraged to use the command’s dedicated telephone hotlines to provide credible information that could assist security operatives.
The rescue and arrests underscore the importance of timely information and coordinated police operations in responding to kidnapping incidents.
The police said investigations were continuing as operatives worked to identify and apprehend other individuals who might be connected to the alleged crime.
