The Rivers State Police Command has rescued one kidnap victim, neutralised two suspects, and recovered arms and ammunition.
According to a press release from the office of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, the command achieved the remarkable breakthrough as part of its sustained efforts to combat kidnapping and armed robbery in the state.
In the daring operation, operatives of the command attached to the Anti-Cultism Unit (ACU), Emohua Annex, acting on a tip-off, successfully rescued the kidnapped victim (name withheld), ‘F’, of Omademe Community, who was abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to reports from the victim’s brother on December 9, 2025, seeking assistance in securing his sister’s release, the abductors had demanded a ransom of N1.2 million (One Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira) only, threatening to kill the victim if the payment was not made promptly.
The police operatives, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, swiftly mobilised and executed a carefully planned operation to rescue the victim.
At about 1130hrs, the police team, led by seasoned operatives and utilising intelligence-led operations, covertly stormed the kidnappers’ hideout located in a forested area off Ozuaha Road and met the suspected kidnappers sharing the ransom.
Upon sighting the police operatives, the heavily armed suspects opened gunfire, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire.
The police, in a rare display of determination, bravery, and professionalism, neutralised two of the kidnappers, while others fled into the forest with varying degrees of gunshot wounds. The victim was rescued unhurt, and part of the ransom was recovered.
Other exhibits recovered at the scene include one pump-action rifle, five live cartridges, two expended cartridges, and one locally made pistol.
According to the statement, all the exhibits are currently in police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command, CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju, has commended the bravery and dedication of the operatives involved in the operation, who put their lives on the line to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
He reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the state, urging anyone with credible information about the fleeing suspects to come forward and assist the police.
The CP further directed that the investigation be expedited, the fleeing suspects apprehended, the remaining ransom recovered, and the suspects brought to justice.
“The Rivers State Police Command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the state remains a safe and secure place for all residents and visitors.”