“Waste This Guy!” — Six-Man Kidnap Gang Allegedly Points AK-47 At Emmanuel As He Fights Back, Police Chase Ends In Arrest

By Passman Akpos

PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE — A suspected kidnapping operation turned into a dramatic gun battle and police chase in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after a six-man gang allegedly abducted a resident along the Air Force Flyover–Hero Contractors axis before security operatives intervened and rescued the victim.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at about 7pm–8pm, when the victim, identified as Mr Emmanuel, said he was driving home from work when he noticed an unusual noise from his vehicle while descending the Air Force Flyover before the Hero Contractors gate.

According to Emmanuel, he slowed down and tried to determine the source of the noise when a tricycle suddenly blocked his vehicle. He alleged that armed men emerged from the tricycle, with one of them carrying what appeared to be an AK-47 rifle, before forcing him into the vehicle.

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Emmanuel said his car was still running and that he was alone when the attackers dragged him into the tricycle. He allegedly resisted by refusing to put his legs inside the vehicle as the kidnappers attempted to close the door.

According to his account, the suspects allegedly used a hammer to repeatedly hit both of his legs in an attempt to weaken him and force him completely into the vehicle.

He said his legs became injured and started bleeding while he continued resisting.

The situation, according to Emmanuel, became even more dangerous when one of the attackers allegedly ordered that he be killed.

He said another suspect then cocked an AK-47 and pointed it at him, prompting him to grab the rifle and struggle with the armed man.

In the course of the struggle, Emmanuel said the rifle’s magazine fell to the floor of the tricycle. He allegedly picked up the magazine and threw it onto the main road while the suspect was searching for it.

He also said the hammer used to attack him fell during the struggle, and he picked it up and threw it away.

According to Emmanuel, another suspect who was positioned near the door subsequently brought out a pistol. He said that when the suspect cocked the pistol, he struck the man’s hand, causing the weapon to fall.

Emmanuel further alleged that the kidnappers were six in number and that three of them held down his hands and legs to prevent him from escaping.

The victim, who said he was recovering from a previous stroke, described the ordeal as a desperate struggle for survival.

He said his rescue came after police operatives began pursuing the kidnappers and firing warning shots into the air.

According to him, the suspects attempted to escape towards Rumuokoro but encountered trucks blocking part of the road, forcing them to stop the vehicle and jump out.

He said the intervention ultimately gave him an opportunity to escape and be rescued.

POLICE CONFIRM RESCUE, ARREST AND AK-47 RECOVERY

The Rivers State Police Command confirmed the incident in a press release, stating that its operatives arrested a suspected kidnapper, rescued the victim and recovered an AK-47 rifle during an operation in the Eliozu–Rumuokoro axis of Port Harcourt.

The Command said it received information at about 10:15pm on September 24 that a person had been kidnapped.

According to the Police, the Convoy Patrol Team stationed at Eliozu sighted the suspected kidnappers and immediately launched a pursuit towards Rumuokoro, by Eligbolu.

The Command said operatives of the Special Area Division subsequently mobilised and intercepted the fleeing suspects.

The operation, according to the Police, resulted in the arrest of one suspected kidnapper and the rescue of Emmanuel, who was subsequently secured for necessary medical attention.

The arrested suspect was identified by the Police as Sunday Rufus, aged 23, and described as a native of Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Police said the following items were recovered:

– One AK-47 rifle

– Two rounds of 7.62mm ammunition

– One white tricycle with registration number PHC 756 ZY

The Command said efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the alleged criminal gang.

SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY ADMITS PARTICIPATION IN KIDNAPPING

In a recorded account attributed to him, Sunday Rufus allegedly admitted participating in the kidnapping operation.

Rufus said the suspects were driving when they encountered Emmanuel and allegedly decided to abduct him.

He claimed that the gang had been pursued by the Police after taking the victim and that he eventually jumped out of the vehicle while the chase was ongoing.

Rufus allegedly told investigators that he had participated in kidnapping operations about three times, although he claimed previous attempts were unsuccessful.

He allegedly named some of his associates as Emperor, David and Kelvin, while also referring to other members by descriptions including Hausa and Calabari.

According to his account, he became involved after being approached by members of the group, who allegedly told him about the business they were involved in.

Rufus allegedly said he agreed to participate because he needed money to settle issues surrounding his father’s burial.

He claimed that the gang communicated mainly through phones and sometimes met at a bar, whose owner he alleged was unaware of their criminal activities.

The suspect further alleged that the gang had attempted to obtain about ₦2 million from victims and that he was expecting approximately ₦200,000 as his share.

He also allegedly told the Police that the gang usually camped around the Calabari River.

The allegations contained in the suspect’s account remain subject to further investigation and possible prosecution.

POLICE: RIVERS WILL NOT BE SAFE HAVEN FOR CRIMINALS

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adewole Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcai, reaffirmed that the State would not be a safe haven for criminals.

According to the Police, the Command will sustain intelligence-driven and coordinated operations against kidnappers and other violent criminal elements across Rivers State.

The Commissioner also commended the officers and operatives involved in the operation for their prompt response, courage and professionalism.

The Command urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that community cooperation remains important in preventing and combating kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by motorists travelling through parts of the Port Harcourt metropolitan area at night, while the police intervention has also raised questions about how quickly security agencies can respond to distress reports involving suspected kidnappers.

For now, the Rivers State Police Command says efforts are continuing to locate and arrest the other members of the alleged gang.