The Rivers State Police Command has rescued a kidnapped victim identified as Mathew John Zephaniah in Oyigbo Local Government Area.
According to the command, the rescue was carried out after tactical units, working alongside a local vigilante group, stormed the kidnappers’ hideout following credible intelligence.
Spokesperson for the command, Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt and shared with journalists.
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“In a remarkable display of operational prowess, the Rivers State Police Command has successfully rescued one Mathew John Zephaniah, ‘m’ a kidnapped victim, following a coordinated operation by operatives of the Command,” the statement read.
She explained that the officers were drawn from tactical units and divisions within the Oyigbo Area Command, and were supported by the OSPAC vigilante group during the operation at Agbo-Nchia Forest.
“Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives, drawn from tactical units and Divisions within the Oyigbo Area Command, in collaboration with OSPAC local vigilante groups were swiftly mobilized to the suspected kidnappers’ den at Agbo-Nchia Forest.
“The kidnappers on sighting the Police Operatives, opened fire on them and there was exchange of fire but due to superior firing power of the Police, the kidnappers abandoned the victim and fled with gunshot wounds,” she added.
The statement further noted: “The victim’s HP Laptop and Redmi Phone were recovered, along with two Android Phones and a Smart Wrist Watch suspected to belong to the kidnappers.
“The victim was rescued unhurt and has been debriefed and reunited with his family.
“The exhibits are currently in Police custody, while concerted efforts are being made to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.”
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Olugbenga Adepoju, reassured the public of the command’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.
He also appealed to residents to assist security agencies by reporting anyone found with suspicious gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
