From Victor Edozie Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Police Command said it has successfully rescued a kidnapped victim from Omademe Community in Ikwerre local government area of Rivers State.
The victim was said to have been abducted on Friday, December 5, 2025, along Ozuaha Road, Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.
A press statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt by the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Grace Koko, said the abductors had demanded a ransom of 1.2m threatening to kill the victim if the payment was not made promptly.
Koko said the Police Operatives, determined to bring the perpetrators to justice, swiftly mobilized and executed a carefully planned operation to rescue the victim.
She said, “At about 1130hrs, the Police team, led by seasoned Operatives, utilizing intelligence led operations, covertly stormed the kidnapper’s hideout located in a forested area, off Ozuaha Road and met the suspected kidnappers sharing the ransom. Upon sighting the Police Operatives, the kidnappers, who were heavily armed, opened gunfire, leading to a fierce exchange of gun battles.
” The Police, displaying exemplary bravery and professionalism, neutralized two of the kidnappers, while others fled into the forest with varying degrees of gun shot 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, One locally-made Pistol. All the exhibits are currently in Police custody as part of the ongoing investigation.”
She said the Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga A Adepoju, commended the bravery and dedication of the Operatives involved in the operation, who she said put their lives on the line to ensure the safe rescue of the victim.
The statement pointed out that the Commissioner of Police further directed that the investigation be expedited, and the fleeing suspects be apprehended, recover the remaining ransom and brought to justice.
She said the command will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the state remains a safe and secure place for all residents and visitors.
