Rivers: Police nab kidnap kingpin, rescue 10-year-old victim

By Desmond Ejibas

A 30-year-old man identified as Nwile Bete alleged to a kidnap kingpin has been arrested during an operation by the police during which one of his victims was also rescued in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.

The spokesperson for Rivers Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, identified the rescued victim as a 10-year-old boy in a statement on Friday.

She said that Bete allegedly kidnapped the boy on Nov. 25 and demanded a ransom of N5m for his release.

“After the minor was abducted, his mother reported the incident to the police, prompting the Anti-Kidnapping Unit to take swift action,” Iringe-Koko said.

She explained that officers, acting on credible intelligence, tracked Bete to Rumuekeni School Road in Rumuekeni Town, Port Harcourt, where he was apprehended.

“While in custody, Bete confessed to the crime and subsequently led operatives to Sogho village in Khana area, where the boy was rescued unharmed.

“The victim has since been debriefed and reunited with his family, while the suspect remains in custody,” she added.

Iringe-Koko confirmed that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the other members of Bete’s gang who are currently at large.

She assured that the suspect would face charges in court upon conclusion of the investigation.

“This arrest is a significant breakthrough and part of the police command’s broader strategy to tackle crime and criminal activities in Rivers state,” she said. (NAN)