The arrest removes one operative from a suspected kidnap group and produced physical evidence police say will help trace the wider cell. Authorities in Rivers State detained 35-year-old Victor Ini, a native of Akwa Ibom State, during an intelligence-led raid by the Eleme Police Division after a woman named Loveth was taken from outside her shop on September 2, 2026. Officers said the abduction involved men firing shots into the air before forcing the victim into a vehicle.

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Police recovered a silver-coloured mini Keke bus, registration RBC 992 XE, Abuja, two locally made pistols, one live round of ammunition, a mobile phone, two identity cards, two black gowns and a vehicle number plate with registration KRK 528 HG. Investigators said the items were seized at the scene of the detention and are being examined for links to other suspects and movements.

In an interrogation video released by Rivers State Police Public Relations Officer Blessing Agabe, Ini said he joined the group because he had been promised payment of ₦40,000. He described the plan as a short-term extortion operation, saying the intent was to collect money from the woman and then release her. Ini named a neighbour identified as Chukwuebuka and several other associates, including Chinedu, Okwozichi and Evance, as participants in the plot. In the recording Ini said, "We went to the woman's shop to collect money from her, then drop her and leave. Her neighbour, Chukwuebuka, was the one who sent us on the attack. He told us the man had plenty of money and would give us. It was my first day with them. They had been monitoring her, but it was my first time. The people working with me are Chukwuebuka, Chinedu, Okwozichi and Evance. This is my first time in the business and I have not made any money. They promised to give me ₦40,000."

Rivers State police said efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the suspected gang. Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, pledged the command would keep up operations to protect lives and property and to bring perpetrators to justice, warning there will be no safe haven for criminal elements. The force also urged residents to remain vigilant and to provide credible information that could assist investigations and lead to further arrests.