Operatives of the Rivers State Police Command have rescued a kidnapped victim, Mathew Zephaniah, following a coordinated operation in the Oyigbo axis of the state.
The operation, driven by actionable intelligence, saw officers from various tactical units and divisions under the Oyigbo Area Command team up with the Onelga Security Peace and Advisory Committee (OSPAC) to storm a suspected kidnapper’s camp located within the Agbo-Nchia forest.
Police spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed that the suspects, upon spotting the advancing operatives, engaged them in a gun battle.
The confrontation was swiftly brought under control as the superior firepower of the security team overwhelmed the kidnappers, forcing them to flee the area, reportedly with injuries from gunshot wounds, while abandoning their captive.
Zephaniah was found unharmed and has since been reunited with his family after undergoing debriefing.
Items recovered from the scene include his HP laptop and Redmi phone, along with two other Android phones and a smart wristwatch suspected to belong to the fleeing assailants.
The recovered exhibits are currently in police custody, and investigations into the incident are ongoing as a manhunt for the fleeing suspects is actively underway.
Rivers police assure residents of safety
Commissioner of Police in Rivers State (CP) Olugbenga Adepoju reiterated the Command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents of continued efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.
He appealed to members of the public to report any individuals nursing unexplained gunshot wounds to the nearest police station or relevant security agency.
